Peer Review Process

The Journal of Forensic Science and Research (JFSR) follows a rigorous, transparent, and fair peer review process to ensure that all published work meets high academic and ethical standards. This process aligns with the COPE, ICMJE, and WAME guidelines and reflects the journal’s commitment to integrity in forensic science publishing.

Type of Peer Review

JFSR adopts a double-blind peer review system:

  • Authors do not know the identity of reviewers.
  • Reviewers do not know the identity of authors.
  • This ensures impartiality, fairness, and minimizes bias.

Stages of Peer Review

  1. Initial Screening: The editorial office screens manuscripts for scope, formatting, and plagiarism.
  2. Editorial Assignment: Suitable manuscripts are assigned to an editor with subject expertise.
  3. Reviewer Selection: Editors invite at least two independent experts to review the submission.
  4. Review Process: Reviewers evaluate originality, methodology, data accuracy, relevance, and ethics.
  5. Decision Recommendation: Reviewers recommend acceptance, revision, or rejection.
  6. Editorial Decision: The editor consolidates reviews and communicates the decision to authors.
  7. Revision Stage: Authors address reviewer comments and resubmit for further evaluation.
  8. Final Decision: The editor makes the final publication decision.
  9. Production: Accepted manuscripts proceed to copyediting, typesetting, and publication.

Reviewer Expectations

  • Provide objective, evidence-based assessments.
  • Submit reviews within agreed deadlines.
  • Highlight both strengths and weaknesses constructively.
  • Disclose conflicts of interest immediately.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of manuscripts.

Ethical Oversight in Peer Review

Reviewers and editors must report ethical concerns such as plagiarism, duplicate submission, data manipulation, or failure to comply with human/animal research ethics. Allegations are investigated in accordance with COPE flowcharts.

Timelines

JFSR strives to complete the first round of peer review within 4–6 weeks. Authors are notified promptly of decisions, and revisions are expected within the deadlines communicated by the editorial office.

Appeals Process

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a reasoned response. Appeals are reviewed independently by the editorial board or external experts.

Recognition of Reviewers

JFSR acknowledges the invaluable contributions of reviewers by offering:

  • Certificates of recognition.
  • Optional listing in annual reviewer acknowledgment reports.
  • Integration with ORCID/Publons profiles.

FAQs

Can authors suggest reviewers?

Yes, authors may suggest reviewers, but the final decision rests with the editor.

What if reviewers disagree?

The editor may seek an additional opinion or make a balanced decision based on all reports.

Are reviews anonymous?

Yes, both authors and reviewers remain anonymous in double-blind review.

Commitment to Fairness

Through its peer review process, JFSR ensures that every article is evaluated on academic merit, ethical compliance, and contribution to forensic science, thereby maintaining trust in published research.