Peer Review Policy for IJMSRI
The International Journal of Medical Science Research and Innovations (IJMSRI) upholds a rigorous double-blind peer review process, ensuring that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain confidential. This system ensures that submissions are evaluated purely on their academic and scientific merits, free from bias.
Peer Review Process
All manuscripts submitted to IJMSRI undergo an initial editorial assessment to ensure they meet the basic quality standards, relevance to the journal’s themes, and adherence to submission guidelines. Submissions that pass this initial check are then assigned to expert reviewers for double-blind peer review, meaning:
- The reviewers’ identities remain anonymous to the authors.
- The authors’ identities are not disclosed to the reviewers.
The peer review process typically takes up to 20 days, depending on the manuscript’s complexity, length, and the reviewer’s availability. During this period, reviewers assess the manuscript on several criteria to ensure that it meets the high standards required for publication in IJMSRI.
Review Criteria
The following aspects are evaluated during the peer review process:
- Originality and relevance of the research to the journal’s scope.
- Clarity of writing and adherence to submission guidelines.
- Soundness of the research methodology used.
- Accuracy of the data presented.
- Validity of the conclusions based on the data.
Manuscripts may be accepted, sent back to authors for revisions, or rejected based on reviewers’ feedback. The final decision on acceptance lies with the editorial board, who consider all reviewer comments and suggestions before reaching a conclusion.
Role of Reviewers
Reviewers play an integral role in maintaining the quality and integrity of the research published in IJMSRI. As part of their assessment, reviewers are asked to consider the following:
- Does the abstract accurately convey the main findings of the manuscript?
- Is the rationale for the study clearly outlined in the introduction?
- Has the study addressed a significant problem using an appropriate methodology?
- Are the methods and materials described in sufficient detail to be reproducible?
- Are statistical analyses clearly explained?
- Is the discussion balanced, providing a comprehensive interpretation of the results?
- Are conflicts of interest appropriately disclosed?
- Have the authors followed ethical guidelines, particularly for research involving humans or animals?
Reviewers are also expected to maintain confidentiality throughout the review process and should not discuss the manuscript with anyone outside of the editorial team.
Reviewer Guidelines
IJMSRI is committed to making the peer review process as transparent as possible. Reviewers are encouraged to provide constructive feedback, with a focus on helping authors improve their work where necessary. They should disclose any potential conflicts of interest prior to accepting a review invitation.
All unpublished manuscripts and their data are considered confidential, and reviewers are required to maintain the highest level of ethical integrity. Reviewers should not use or share any information from the manuscript before its official publication.
Benefits for Reviewers
IJMSRI values the contributions of its reviewers and offers several benefits for those who provide high-quality reviews:
- Personalized Reviewer Certificate to acknowledge their contribution.
- Discounts on future Article Processing Charges (APC) for IJMSRI submissions.
- Exposure to the latest research and an opportunity to stay updated with new findings in the field.
- Career advancement, as peer reviewing is a critical skill for researchers.
Reviewers are also recognized through special awards for their outstanding work in ensuring high-quality research is published.
Transparent Peer Review
IJMSRI offers a transparent peer review option where both authors and reviewers can choose to disclose their identities after the review process. This ensures accountability and helps promote open dialogue between researchers and reviewers.
Becoming a Reviewer
We welcome experts in medical and healthcare fields to join our community of reviewers. Interested individuals can send their CV and areas of expertise to our editorial office at editor@ijmsri.com.