Peer Review Policy
Type of peer review
Bio-QI uses double-blind peer review. The identities of authors and reviewers are kept from each other throughout the evaluation.
Initial editorial screening
The Editor-in-Chief, or an editor acting on their behalf, first assesses each submission for relevance to the journal, originality and compliance with the author guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements are declined without external review.
Plagiarism screening
Submissions are checked with iThenticate before review, as set out in the Plagiarism Policy.
Reviewer assignment
Each manuscript sent for review is assessed by at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the subject. The editor may appoint further reviewers where needed.
Review criteria
- Originality and scientific significance
- Rigour and validity of the methods
- Clarity and quality of presentation
- Relevance to the scope of the journal
- Ethical compliance in research involving people or animals
Editorial decision
The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision to accept, reject or ask for revision, on the basis of the reviewers' reports. Authors asked to revise must respond to each reviewer comment point by point.
Timeline
The time from submission to first decision is typically 12 to 14 weeks, depending on reviewer availability and the extent of revision needed.
Confidentiality
All manuscripts and all correspondence about them are treated as strictly confidential.
Conflicts of interest
Reviewers must disclose any conflict of interest and decline to review where one exists. See the Conflict of Interest Policy.
