Peer Review Policy
All research articles, review articles, short communications, and case studies submitted to the Proceedings of Science and Nature Research undergo rigorous single-blind peer review, in which reviewer identities are withheld from authors, but reviewers are aware of the identities of the authors.
Review Process
- Initial editorial screening (1–2 weeks): Every submission is checked for scope, originality (via similarity screening), and adherence to the journal's formatting requirements. Manuscripts that do not meet these minimum standards may be desk-rejected without external review.
- Peer review (typically 4–8 weeks): Manuscripts that pass initial screening are assigned to a handling editor, who invites at least two independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise. Reviewers assess the originality, scientific soundness, methodology, and clarity of the manuscript and provide a written recommendation.
- Editorial decision (1–2 weeks): Based on reviewer recommendations, the handling editor reaches a decision to accept, request minor or major revisions, or reject the manuscript. Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the original reviewers for a further round of review.
Reviewer Selection and Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers are selected on the basis of relevant expertise and have no conflict of interest with the authors or the reported work (see the journal's Conflict of Interest policy). Authors may suggest potential reviewers at submission, but the final choice of reviewers rests entirely with the editor.
Appeals
Authors who disagree with an editorial decision may submit a formal appeal; see the journal's Complaints & Appeals page for details.
