Reviewer Responsibilities

 

Reviewers have responsibilities before, during, and after the peer-review process. These responsibilities are intended to protect the integrity of the evaluation and ensure that editorial decisions are based on fair and reliable scholarly assessment.

Before Accepting the Review
  • Determine whether the manuscript falls within the reviewer's expertise.
  • Determine whether the reviewer can complete the evaluation within the required timeframe.
  • Check whether there is any personal, professional, financial, academic, or institutional conflict of interest.
  • Inform the Editorial Office if the reviewer has previously worked closely with the authors or has another relationship that could affect impartiality.
  • Decline the review when an objective and independent assessment cannot be provided.
During the Review
  • Maintain an objective and evidence-based assessment.
  • Evaluate the manuscript according to the journal's review criteria.
  • Protect all confidential information contained in the manuscript.
  • Identify substantial methodological or scientific weaknesses.
  • Identify inconsistencies between research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Check whether claims are adequately supported by evidence.
  • Identify possible plagiarism, duplicate publication, fabricated data, or other research-integrity concerns when detected.
  • Avoid imposing personal preferences that are unrelated to scientific quality.
After Completing the Review
  • Submit the review through the authorized journal system.
  • Ensure that the recommendation is consistent with the written comments.
  • Do not disclose the manuscript or review contents to third parties.
  • Do not retain or use confidential manuscript materials after the review unless explicitly authorized.
  • Respond promptly to editorial requests concerning the review when necessary.