Peer Review Policy
The Tropical Journal of Chemistry (TJC) follows a comprehensive peer-review policy aligned with international best practices to ensure the publication of high-quality, ethical, and scientifically sound research. This policy upholds the integrity, accuracy, and credibility of the scientific literature by facilitating independent evaluations and constructive feedback from subject-matter experts.
Peer Review Process Overview
The peer-review process at TJC is structured to promote objectivity, confidentiality, and fairness while ensuring adherence to ethical standards. The process includes the following steps:
1. Initial Editorial Assessment
• The Managing Editor, Assistant Editor, or Section Editor will verify that the manuscript meets the journal's formal submission requirements and aligns with TJC’s Aims and Scope.
2. Editorial Assignment
• An Editorial Board Member will be assigned to oversee the review process, ensuring no conflict of interest between the editor and the authors.
3. Double-Blind Peer Review
• All manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer-review process to ensure impartiality. Both authors’ and reviewers’ identities will remain confidential, minimizing bias.
4. Reviewer Selection
• Reviewers will be selected based on subject-matter expertise and impartiality. The following criteria will apply:
a) Reviewers must not have co-authored recent publications with the authors.
b) Reviewers must not share institutional affiliations with the authors.
c) Reviewers’ qualifications will be formally evaluated, and their performance will be monitored to maintain review quality.
5. Resolution of Conflicting Feedback
• In cases of conflicting reviewer recommendations, the Editor-in-Chief or an additional reviewer will arbitrate and make the final decision. This ensures fairness and consistency in the evaluation process.
6. Review Timeline and Accountability
• Reviewers will typically complete evaluations within one week. If additional time is needed, they may request an extension to ensure a thorough review.
• Reviewers will be reminded of deadlines, and delays may result in reassignment to maintain the process timeline.
Reviewer Recommendations
Reviewers will provide feedback based on the manuscript's quality, novelty, and alignment with the journal's scope. Recommendations will fall into the following categories:
1. Accept without revisions: The manuscript meets all criteria and is ready for publication.
2. Accept with minor revisions: The manuscript requires minor, non-substantive improvements.
3. Accept with major revisions: Substantial changes are required, and the revised manuscript may undergo further review.
4. Reject: The manuscript fails to meet TJC’s scientific, novelty, or methodological standards.
Editorial Decision-Making
The Editor-in-Chief will make the final decision on the manuscript based on reviewers’ feedback, ensuring consistency with TJC’s standards. Decisions include:
a) Accept: The manuscript is approved for publication.
b) Revision: The manuscript requires revisions based on feedback.
c) Reject: The manuscript is unsuitable for publication.
Revision Process
Authors will receive detailed feedback and guidance for revisions. The process includes:
1. Timelines for Revisions:
a) Minor revisions: Authors will have one weeks to make changes.
b) Major revisions: Authors may request an extension of up to two weeks if needed.
2. Number of Revision Rounds: Determined by the extent of required changes, ensuring adherence to TJC’s scientific and editorial standards.
Post-Publication Review and Ethical Oversight
TJC upholds transparency and accountability even after publication:
1. Post-Publication Review: Mechanisms are in place for addressing concerns about published articles, including corrections, retractions, or commentaries.
2. Reviewer Ethical Disclosure: Reviewers must disclose all potential conflicts of interest, including financial interests or prior collaborations unrelated to the manuscript.
Acknowledgment and Incentives for Reviewers
TJC recognizes the vital role of reviewers by:
1. Providing formal acknowledgment, such as certificates or listing their contributions on the journal’s website.
2. Periodically recognizing outstanding reviewers in TJC’s communications.
Publication Process
Following successful peer review and revision, manuscripts will proceed through the following stages:
1. Galley Proofs: Corresponding authors will review and submit final corrections.
2. Articles in Press: Accepted manuscripts will appear in this section for early access by readers.
3. Digital Object Identifier (DOI): Each article will be assigned a DOI for discoverability and proper citation.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
TJC is committed to the highest ethical standards, following the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All stakeholders, including authors, reviewers, and editors, must adhere to these principles to ensure integrity and fairness.
Following these measures, the Tropical Journal of Chemistry ensures a robust, ethical, and efficient peer-review system that fosters trust and excellence in scientific publishing as a global best practice.
