Initial screening
Confirms fit, files, declarations, authorship information, and major ethical or reporting concerns.
Editorial evaluation
Peer Review Process
Peer review assesses a manuscript’s relevance, rigor, clarity, integrity, and contribution before an editorial decision. The journal should disclose the review model it actually uses, select reviewers for appropriate expertise, manage conflicts, and keep final decision authority with the assigned editor.
journal peer review process
1Editorial screening2Expert review3Conflict checks4Decision letters
01
From Submission to Decision
Editors first check scope, completeness, basic integrity, and readiness. A manuscript that proceeds is assigned to reviewers with relevant subject or methodological expertise, subject to availability and conflict checks.
Reviewers evaluate the work and provide reasoned comments. The editor considers the reports, the manuscript, policy requirements, and any disagreement between reviewers before making or recommending a decision.
Key routes
Use the Journal With Confidence
Each route connects to the record or policy needed for the next decision.
Independent review
Examines methods, evidence, interpretation, transparency, and relevance to the field.
Editorial decision
Communicates a clear outcome, reasons, revision expectations, and available appeal route.
02
Confidentiality, Conflicts, and Responsible Use of Tools
Unpublished manuscripts and review materials are confidential. Reviewers and editors should not use the work for personal advantage or share it outside the authorized process.
A conflict may arise through collaboration, competition, institutional relationship, financial interest, personal relationship, or prior involvement with the work. The safest response is early disclosure so the editor can reassign the manuscript when needed.
- Accept review only within your expertise and availability.
- Disclose conflicts before accessing confidential files.
- Base comments on the manuscript rather than the author.
- Separate essential revisions from optional suggestions.
- Do not upload confidential manuscripts to unapproved external tools.
Common questions
Questions Readers and Contributors Ask
Does peer review guarantee that an article is correct?
No. Review is a quality-control process, not a guarantee. Readers should evaluate methods, evidence, limitations, and later corrections.
Can authors appeal a decision?
A reasoned appeal may be considered under the Complaints and Appeals policy. Disagreement alone does not require a new decision.
Who makes the final decision?
Decision authority belongs to the designated editor under the journal’s governance structure, not to an individual reviewer.
Sources
Standards and Further Reading
These external resources provide additional policy or practice context. The journal’s own published policies govern its workflow.
Know the Review Expectations Before You Submit
Prepare complete files and declarations, and use the appeals route only for a specific procedural or substantive concern.