Peer Review Process

Al-Nahrain Journal of Science Peer Review Policy

Peer review is the process used to assess the quality of a manuscript before it is published. The peer review model adopted by the Al-Nahrain Journal of Science (ANJS) is a double-blind peer-review process meaning that authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other during the review process. ANJS is committed to the immediate evaluation and publication of all papers submitted based on peer review-based acceptance. ANJS works hard to maintain high-quality publications. Accordingly, all submissions should undergo a review process that fulfils the following characteristics:

  1. Manuscripts should be submitted solely to the Al-Nahrain Journal of Science and should not be submitted simultaneously to another journal.  
  2. The manuscript subject should be within the scope of interest of this journal. Out-of-scope manuscripts will not be subjected to review.
  3. Manuscripts will usually be reviewed by two peer-review experts as suggested by the topical editor.
  4. The Chief editor, the managing editor, and the topical editor have the right to seek additional reviews when required to finalize an editorial decision regarding a submission.
  5. All publication decisions are made collectively and jointly by the Editor-in-Chief and the Managing Editor based on the topical editor's recommendation.
  6. Authors of rejected manuscripts are notified promptly.
  7. The review process is double-blind and manuscripts are treated confidentially. Topical editors are expected to fulfil confidentiality as well. Reviewers' identities should not be revealed during the review process.
  8. Editors and reviewers should be transparent in disclosing any conflict of interest whatsoever resulting from collaboration or other relationships with the authors.
  9. Editors and reviewers are expected to withdraw from editorial processes in which conflict of interest is present.   

Selection of the reviewers: The reviewers are selected by the section editor. The authors may nominate or exclude reviewers provided they provide justification for that.

Number of reviewers per manuscript and decision-making process: The ANJS assigns three reviewers to each manuscript received. The outcome of the review process is based on the first two agreeing recommendations received. If two contradicting recommendations are received, the third recommendation is deemed decisive for the first review round. The next review rounds may be initiated based on the recommendations made by the reviewers.

Time allowed for the reviewers: The reviewers are expected to complete their reviews within three weeks. Reviewers may request an extension of one week beyond the review due date.

The review Report: The reviewers have to fill out the review form designed by the ANJS. They are also requested to include their comments on a separate report. The reviewers are allowed to insert their comments on a copy file of the manuscript which will be transferred to the authors in the later stage of the review process.