Peer Review Process
Initial Screening: Manuscripts received will be screened by the Editor-in-Chief for their suitability with the scope of JoIMedLabS and basic requirements such as file format (doc/docx form), formatting, cover letter, ethical clearance document (for human and animal research). Manuscripts that do not pass the initial screening will be rejected without further review. The initial screening will take a maximum 30 working days from submission date.
- Peer Review: Manuscripts that pass the initial screening will be assigned to the section editor for pre-review related to language, formatting, and scientific content. Manuscripts that pass the pre-review will be sent to at least two expert reviewers for first round review. The peer reviewers will provide constructive, unbiased, unambiguous, and honest feedback to the authors with the aim of encouraging the authors to improve their manuscripts using a double-blind system. Feedback can be in the form of notes/comments on the manuscript for the author to revise. If the reports from both reviewers differ significantly, the editor will invite additional reviewers to obtain a third opinion before making a decision. At this stage, the manuscript can be rejected, requested for revision, or be accepted. Time: 30 working days/round of review.
- Revision stage: Manuscripts that require revision will be returned to the corresponding author for revision, after which the manuscript will be reviewed again by the section editor and will be determined whether the changes are adequate and appropriate. If the revision is considered inadequate, this review cycle will be repeated (second-round review) until the manuscript is adequate and meets the requirements. Time: 21 working days
- Final decision: This decision will depend on the editor in charge, if the manuscript has been revised according to the reviewer suggestions, and meets the journal scope and requirements then it will be accepted for publication. If the authors failed to meet the journal requirements and reviewer suggestion, the manuscript will not be accepted for publication.
- Notification of Manuscript Acceptance: A confirmation email will be sent to the authors by the editor, then authors are requested to pay for the publication fee.
- Letter of Acceptance: Upon manuscript acceptance and payment, LoA of publication will be sent by the editor to the corresponding author.