Peer Review Process
General Principles
The peer review process of “Dermatology and Venereology” is based on the principles of academic integrity and the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), which emphasize impartiality, confidentiality, the responsibilities of reviewers and editors, research integrity, and the prevention of conflicts of interest.
The journal uses double-anonymous peer review: reviewers do not know the names or institutional affiliations of the authors, and authors do not know the identities or affiliations of the reviewers. This approach is intended to ensure the greatest possible objectivity and impartiality in manuscript evaluation.
Manuscripts provided to reviewers are confidential materials. Information contained in submitted manuscripts must not be disclosed or used by reviewers for personal advantage.
Reviewers’ recommendations are advisory and do not, by themselves, determine the editorial decision.
If authors disagree with a reviewer’s comments, they have the right to submit a reasoned response to the Editorial Board.
The final decision to accept, request revision of, or reject a manuscript is made by the Editor-in-Chief or an authorized editor, taking the reviewers’ reports into account. In disputed cases, the matter may be referred to the Editorial Board.
Review Procedure
1. Initial Editorial Assessment
Following submission, each manuscript undergoes an initial editorial assessment to determine whether it is within the scope of the journal, complies with manuscript preparation requirements, and meets the principles of publication ethics and academic integrity.
All submitted manuscripts are checked for originality using the StrikePlagiarism system. For research involving human participants or animals, the Editorial Board also verifies the availability of the required ethics committee approval and compliance with applicable international ethical standards.
Only manuscripts that successfully pass the initial editorial assessment are forwarded for peer review.
2. Selection of Reviewers
The journal’s editors select reviewers on the basis of the subject matter of the manuscript and the reviewers’ scientific expertise.
Each manuscript is reviewed by two independent experts in the relevant field.
Authors may suggest independent reviewers for their manuscript. The Editorial Board may consider these suggestions but reserves the right to select reviewers who can provide the most thorough and objective assessment of the work.
3. Evaluation Criteria
During peer review, manuscripts are evaluated according to the following principal criteria:
- scientific novelty and relevance of the study;
- quality and appropriateness of the methodology;
- reliability of the results;
- consistency of the conclusions with the data presented;
- scientific and practical significance of the research;
- clarity, logic, and quality of presentation.
4. Review Period
Reviewers are given three weeks to evaluate the manuscript and submit their reports.
5. Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. If a conflict could affect the objectivity of the review, the reviewer must decline the invitation to review the manuscript.
6. Editorial Decision
Based on the results of peer review, a manuscript may be:
- accepted for publication;
- returned to the authors for revision;
- rejected.
When two favourable reviews have been received and there are no outstanding issues preventing publication, the manuscript proceeds to publication preparation.
If a manuscript requires substantial revision, the authors are given three weeks to make the necessary changes. The revised manuscript is then returned for an additional round of peer review.
If the reviewers’ recommendations differ substantially, the final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief or an authorized editor. Where necessary, the manuscript may be referred to an additional reviewer or considered by the Editorial Board.
7. Preparation for Publication
Once a manuscript has been finally accepted, it is forwarded to the editorial office for preparation for publication.
