Peer Review Process
A transparent double-blind process with editorial screening and at least three independent reviewers.
Editorial screening · 1–3 days
Every email submission is checked for fit with the aims and scope, originality, completeness, research ethics and similarity. The editorial team may use ORCA as a similarity-assessment aid; editors interpret the evidence and make the decision.
Double-blind independent review · normally 2–4 weeks
Manuscripts passing screening are entered into OJS. Author and reviewer identities are concealed, and at least three independent reviewers assess the scholarly contribution, methodological soundness, reporting quality, ethical compliance and validity of the conclusions. Reviewers must disclose conflicts of interest and protect confidentiality.
Decision and revision
The editor integrates all reports and decides: accept, minor revision, major revision or decline. Revision is normally requested within 1–2 weeks. Revised manuscripts may return to reviewers and the editor; acceptance is issued only when concerns have been resolved. Editors retain responsibility for the final decision and do not guarantee acceptance.
Post-acceptance
Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting and human-supervised proofreading, which may be supported by EIGO. Authors approve the edited version, then check the galley proof before production. The current acceptance rate is approximately 43%; this descriptive figure is reviewed periodically and does not influence individual decisions.