Reviewer Guidelines
Thank you for contributing your expertise to the peer review process.
Role of the Reviewer
Peer reviewers provide independent expert assessment of submitted manuscripts. Your role is to give a fair, constructive, and timely evaluation that helps authors improve their work and helps editors make sound decisions. Reviewers should assess novelty, methodological rigour, clarity, and contribution to the field.
Accepting a Review Request
Only accept a review invitation if: (a) the manuscript is within your area of expertise, (b) you have no conflict of interest with the authors or institution, and (c) you can complete the review within the requested timeframe (typically 2–3 weeks). If you cannot accept, please decline promptly and suggest alternative reviewers if possible.
Evaluation Criteria
- Originality: Is the work new? Does it add to existing knowledge?
- Methodology: Are the research methods sound, reproducible, and appropriate?
- Results: Are findings clearly presented and supported by data?
- Discussion: Are conclusions justified and limitations acknowledged?
- Literature: Is the relevant literature adequately cited and discussed?
- Presentation: Is the manuscript clearly written, well-structured, and free of major errors?
- Ethics: Are ethical considerations (data privacy, consent, conflicts) properly addressed?
Writing Your Review
Structure your report as: (1) a brief summary of the paper, (2) major concerns (numbered, specific, actionable), (3) minor concerns (grammar, formatting, clarity), and (4) your recommendation. Be constructive — frame criticism as suggestions for improvement. Avoid personal comments about the authors.
Recommendation Options
- Accept: Publication is recommended with minimal or no changes.
- Minor Revision: Manuscript is sound but requires small improvements.
- Major Revision: Substantial rework needed; re-review required.
- Reject: Fundamental flaws that cannot be resolved through revision.
Confidentiality
All manuscripts under review are confidential. Do not share, cite, or discuss them with anyone without editorial permission. Do not use unpublished ideas from submissions in your own work. All reviewer identities are kept confidential from authors (double-blind process).