Complaints and Appeals Policy

The journal ensures a transparent and impartial process for handling complaints and appeals that may arise in the course of its editorial activities.

  1. Submission of Complaints

The journal accepts complaints from authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders concerning:

  • violations of academic integrity;
  • failure to adhere to editorial procedures;
  • unethical conduct by participants in the publication process;
  • potential errors or issues in already published materials.

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the official editorial email address and should include:

  • a clear description of the issue;
  • where possible, supporting materials or references.

Anonymous complaints may be considered if sufficient grounds for investigation are provided.

  1. Handling of Complaints

All complaints are handled confidentially, objectively, and without undue delay.

The Editor-in-Chief:

  • conducts an initial assessment of the complaint;
  • may involve members of the editorial board or independent experts, if necessary;
  • initiates an investigation in accordance with principles of academic integrity and the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics.

During the review process, explanations may be requested from the parties involved.

Following the investigation, the editorial board may:

  • dismiss the complaint as unfounded;
  • recommend corrections;
  • initiate additional peer review;
  • refer the matter to relevant institutions;
  • initiate a retraction procedure.

The complainant receives a reasoned response regarding the outcome of the review.

  1. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions regarding their manuscripts, including in cases of:

  • rejection of the manuscript;
  • requests for substantial revisions;
  • disagreement with the outcomes of peer review.

Appeals must be submitted in writing and should include:

  • a clear justification for the disagreement with the decision;
  • reasoned arguments supported by scientific evidence or references to reviewer comments.
  1. Consideration of Appeals

Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief in collaboration with members of the editorial board who were not involved in the original decision.

If necessary, additional independent reviewers may be consulted.

Following consideration of the appeal, the editorial board may:

  • uphold the original decision;
  • revise the decision;
  • refer the manuscript for additional peer review.

Decisions made following an appeal are final.

  1. Principles of Review

The handling of complaints and appeals is based on the following principles:

  • impartiality;
  • confidentiality;
  • reasoned decision-making;
  • adherence to academic integrity standards;
  • transparency of procedures.

The journal guarantees that submitting a complaint or an appeal will not adversely affect future interactions with authors or other participants in the publication process.