Complaints Process

The World Journal of Experimental Biosciences is committed to maintaining fair, transparent, and ethical editorial and publishing practices. Authors, reviewers, readers, editors, editorial board members, and other stakeholders may submit a complaint concerning the journal, its editorial processes, editorial staff, editorial board members, publisher, or other aspects of the journal's publishing operations.

The World Journal of Experimental Biosciences handles complaints fairly, objectively, confidentially where appropriate, and as promptly as reasonably possible. The journal follows the relevant principles and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when handling complaints.

1. What May Be the Subject of a Complaint?

Complaints may concern, for example:

  • inappropriate conduct by an editor, reviewer, editorial staff member, or other person involved in the journal's editorial process;

  • breaches of confidentiality or inappropriate use of privileged information;

  • undisclosed or improperly managed conflicts of interest;

  • concerns regarding the fairness or integrity of the peer-review process;

  • unreasonable delays or failures in the editorial or publication process;

  • failure to follow the journal's published policies or procedures;

  • concerns regarding editorial independence;

  • inappropriate communication or unprofessional conduct by journal representatives;

  • concerns relating to publication ethics or the handling of suspected misconduct; or

  • other administrative or publishing practices that may adversely affect authors, reviewers, readers, or other stakeholders.

Complaints concerning the scientific or editorial merits of a decision on an individual manuscript should normally be submitted through the journal's Appeals Process rather than through the complaints procedure.

2. How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted in writing by email to the contact person identified below.

The complainant should provide, where applicable:

  1. their name and contact information;

  2. the manuscript identification number, article title, or other relevant reference;

  3. a clear description of the complaint;

  4. the names or roles of the individuals involved, where known;

  5. relevant dates and details of the events concerned; and

  6. supporting documentation or other evidence, where available.

Complaints should contain sufficient information to allow the journal to understand and investigate the matter. Anonymous complaints may also be considered when the information provided raises a credible concern that can reasonably be investigated.

3. Handling and Investigation of Complaints

Upon receipt of a complaint, the journal will acknowledge receipt where the complainant has provided contact information.

The Editor-in-Chief, or an appropriate senior editor designated by the Editor-in-Chief, will initially assess the complaint and determine the appropriate course of action.

Where a complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief, the complaint will be handled by an appropriate senior editor or another person who is independent of the matter under consideration. Any person with a relevant conflict of interest will not participate in the investigation or decision concerning the complaint.

Where necessary, the journal may:

  • request additional information or clarification from the complainant;

  • seek responses from the individuals or parties concerned;

  • consult another editor or an independent adviser;

  • review relevant editorial and publication records;

  • consult applicable COPE guidance or flowcharts;

  • contact an author's, editor's, or reviewer's institution or other appropriate organization where this is necessary to investigate a serious ethical concern; or

  • seek appropriate independent or legal advice in complex cases.

The journal will make reasonable efforts to handle complaints promptly and fairly. The time required to resolve a complaint may vary depending on its nature and complexity.

4. Confidentiality and Protection from Retaliation

Complaints will be handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information will be shared only with individuals who need it for the purpose of assessing or investigating the complaint, subject to applicable legal and ethical requirements.

World Journal of Experimental Biosciences does not tolerate retaliation against a person who raises a complaint in good faith or who participates appropriately in an investigation.

5. Outcome of a Complaint

Following investigation, the journal will determine an appropriate response based on the available evidence and the circumstances of the case.

Where appropriate, the journal may take corrective or remedial action, including correcting an editorial or administrative process, clarifying a policy, reviewing an editorial decision through the appropriate procedure, correcting the published record, or taking other action consistent with publication-ethics principles.

The complainant will be informed of the outcome, where appropriate and where the complainant has provided contact information. Confidential information concerning other individuals or parties will not be disclosed.

6. Complaints Concerning Editorial Decisions

A complaint about the conduct or procedure surrounding an editorial decision is distinct from an appeal of the decision itself.

Authors who believe that an editorial decision concerning their manuscript was affected by a substantive error, significant misunderstanding, procedural irregularity, or relevant conflict of interest should follow the journal's Appeals Process.

The complaints procedure should not be used simply to request reconsideration of a manuscript decision when the matter is appropriately addressed through an appeal.

7. Escalation of Unresolved Complaints

World Journal of Experimental Biosciences will make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints through its own complaints procedure.

If a complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved internally, the journal may seek advice from an appropriate independent adviser or relevant external body, as appropriate to the circumstances.

For matters falling within the remit of COPE, the journal may consult or refer to relevant COPE guidance and procedures in accordance with COPE's applicable requirements.

8. Contact for Complaints

Contact: Editor-in-Chief, World Journal of Experimental Biosciences
Email: editorinchiefwjebios@uniscipub.com

Complaints should use the subject line:

“Complaint – World Journal of Experimental Biosciences”

Please include the manuscript ID or article title in the subject line where the complaint concerns a particular manuscript or published article.

9. Commitment to Fair and Ethical Publishing

World Journal of Experimental Biosciences is committed to addressing legitimate complaints fairly, transparently, and without unnecessary delay. The journal will use complaints as an opportunity to identify and correct weaknesses in its editorial and publishing processes and to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.