Appeals and Complaints
Appeals and Complaints
- Policy and Process
This procedure pertains to appeals concerning editorial decisions, grievances regarding process failures, such as significant delays in paper handling, and complaints about publication ethics. Initially, the Editor-in-Chief(s) of the relevant journal or the editor responsible for managing the paper should handle the complaint. If they are the subject of the complaint, please contact the in-house publishing representative. (Refer to the contacts page on the journal homepage. If no publishing contact is listed, send an email to: [email protected]).
- Complaint about scientific content (e.g., an appeal against rejection)
The Editor-in-Chief or the Handling Editor carefully evaluates the authors' assertions and the feedback from reviewers to determine:
- Whether the rejection decision remains valid.
- Whether an additional unbiased viewpoint is necessary.
- If the appeal merits consideration.
The individual who filed the complaint is notified of the decision, along with an explanation if deemed necessary. Rulings on appeals are conclusive, and priority is given to new submissions over appeals.
- Complaint about processes (e.g., time taken to review)
The Editor-in-Chief, along with the Handling Editor (as needed) and/or the in-house contact (as necessary), will conduct an investigation into the issue. The individual who filed the complaint will receive relevant feedback. This feedback is shared with the relevant stakeholders to enhance processes and protocols.
- Complaint about publication ethics (e.g., researcher's author's, or reviewer's conduct)
The Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics. They have the option to seek guidance from the publisher's in-house contact for complex cases. After evaluating the situation, the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor determines a course of action and offers feedback to the individual raising the concern. Should the complainant still express dissatisfaction with the handling of their complaint, they have the opportunity to submit the matter to the Committee on Publication Ethics.