Appeals Process
The World Journal of Experimental Biosciences recognizes the right of authors to appeal an editorial decision concerning their manuscript. An appeal may be submitted when the authors believe that the decision was based on a significant misunderstanding of the manuscript, a substantial factual or procedural error, or an important issue that was not adequately considered during the editorial or peer-review process.
Grounds for Appeal
An appeal should be based on substantive and specific grounds. Appropriate grounds may include:
- A significant factual or methodological misunderstanding of the manuscript by the editor or reviewers.
- A substantive error in the evaluation of the manuscript.
- Evidence that relevant information provided in the manuscript was overlooked or not considered.
- Evidence of a serious procedural irregularity in the editorial or peer-review process.
- A demonstrable conflict of interest or other circumstance that may have materially affected the editorial process.
An appeal should not be based solely on disagreement with the scientific opinion of the editor or reviewers, dissatisfaction with the decision, or a desire to obtain an additional review without providing substantive justification.
How to Submit an Appeal
Authors wishing to appeal a decision should submit a written appeal by email to the Editor-in-Chief. The appeal should include:
- The manuscript title and manuscript identification number.
- The corresponding author's name and contact details.
- The editorial decision being appealed.
- A clear and concise explanation of the reasons for the appeal.
- Specific responses to the substantive issues raised in the editorial decision and/or reviewer reports.
- Any new information or evidence that the authors believe is relevant to reconsideration of the decision.
Appeals should normally be submitted within 30 days of the date of the editorial decision. Appeals submitted after this period may be considered at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief when there are reasonable circumstances for the delay.
Handling of Appeals
Upon receipt, the Editor-in-Chief will acknowledge the appeal and determine whether it provides sufficient grounds for reconsideration. The appeal will be assessed independently and fairly, taking into consideration the original manuscript, editorial decision, reviewer comments, and the information provided in the appeal.
Where appropriate, the Editor-in-Chief may consult an independent editor or additional reviewer who was not involved in the original decision. An editor or reviewer with a relevant conflict of interest will not participate in the appeal.
The appeal process will not normally involve disclosure of reviewer identities where the journal's peer-review model requires reviewer confidentiality.
An appeal may result in:
- confirmation of the original decision;
- reconsideration of the decision;
- referral of the manuscript for further editorial or peer review; or
- another appropriate editorial action.
The outcome of an appeal will be communicated to the corresponding author with the reasons for the decision.
Finality of Appeal Decisions
The decision following an appeal is normally final. A second appeal will only be considered when the authors can demonstrate a substantial procedural irregularity, a previously undisclosed conflict of interest, or significant new information that could materially affect the original decision.
Submitting an appeal does not guarantee reconsideration, acceptance, or publication of the manuscript.
Editorial Independence
Appeals are handled independently of the publisher's commercial or operational interests. Editorial decisions and appeal outcomes are based on academic, ethical, and procedural considerations.
WJEB follows the principles and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in handling appeals and editorial disputes.
Contact for Appeals
Contact: Editor-in-Chief, World Journal of Experimental Biosciences
Email: editorinchiefwjebios@uniscipub.com
Authors should use the subject line “Appeal of Editorial Decision – [Manuscript ID]” when submitting an appeal.
The journal will maintain appropriate records of appeals and their outcomes as part of its editorial quality and publication-ethics processes.
