Appeals and complaints

Policy and Process

The following procedure applies to:

• Appeals against editorial decisions;

• Complaints about process failures (e.g., undue delays in manuscript handling);

• Complaints regarding publication ethics.

Complaints should initially be directed to the Editor-in-Chief responsible for the journal or the Editor who handled the paper. If the complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor themselves, please contact the in-house publishing contact (refer to the journal homepage's contacts page).

Complaint about Scientific Content (e.g., an Appeal against Rejection)

The Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor will consider the authors' arguments and the reviewer reports, then decide whether:

• The decision to reject should stand;

• Another independent opinion is required; or

• The appeal should be reconsidered.

The complainant will be informed of the decision with an explanation where appropriate. Decisions on appeals are final, and new submissions take priority over appeals.

Complaint about Processes (e.g., Time Taken to Review)

The Editor-in-Chief, together with the Handling Editor (where applicable) and/or the in-house contact (where applicable), will investigate the matter. The complainant will receive appropriate feedback. Feedback is also provided to relevant stakeholders to improve processes and procedures.

Complaint about Publication Ethics (e.g., Author, Reviewer, or Researcher Conduct)

The Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor will follow guidelines published by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). For difficult or complicated cases, the Editor may seek advice from the publisher via the in-house contact. The Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor will determine a course of action and provide feedback to the complainant. If the complainant remains dissatisfied with the handling of their complaint, they may submit the complaint to COPE for further review.