The stages
- Submission in JournalOS; you receive a manuscript ID.
- Screening for scope, completeness and similarity.
- Editor assessment: the handling editor decides whether to send the paper for review.
- Peer review by at least two reviewers with relevant expertise and no conflicts.
- Decision: accept, minor revision, major revision or reject, with all reviewer reports.
- Publication online with a DOI, then assignment to an issue.
Review models
| Model | Who knows whom | Used by |
|---|---|---|
| Double anonymised | Neither authors nor reviewers know each other's identity | Most Science Catalogs journals |
| Single anonymised | Reviewers know the authors; authors do not know reviewers | Some conference proceedings |
| Editorial review | Assessed by editors only | Editorials and perspectives |
Each journal states its model on its home page.
Reviewers
- Reviewers are active researchers chosen for their expertise, from a different institution to the authors.
- They assess originality, soundness of methods, validity of conclusions, clarity and ethics.
- Reviews are confidential; reviewers must not use unpublished findings.
- Reviewers receive a certificate after completing 4 reviews in a calendar year.
Timelines
Editors aim to send a first decision within the target shown on each journal page (for example 21 days). Reviewers are asked to report within 14 days. You can follow every step in your JournalOS dashboard.
Appeals
If you believe a decision was based on a factual error or misunderstanding, you may appeal once in writing to the editor-in-chief, addressing each reviewer comment. Appeals are decided by an editor not involved in the original decision.
Become a reviewer
Researchers with a doctorate or equivalent publication record can volunteer from any journal page with Become a reviewer, using their SciNexID. Reviewing is voluntary; see the reviewer roles and terms.