For Reviewers

Information for Reviewers

Overview

IRJPL sincerely appreciates the time and expertise contributed by scholars who peer-review manuscripts submitted to our journals. Rigorous, ethical, and transparent peer review is the cornerstone of high-quality academic publishing. Reviewers help maintain scientific integrity, improve manuscript quality, and ensure that research meets the highest standards.

All IRJPL journals use the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform to manage submissions, peer review, and editorial decisions efficiently.

Peer Review and Editorial Procedure

  1. Manuscript Submission: Once a manuscript is submitted, the journal’s Managing Editor performs a technical check for completeness, scope alignment, and ethical compliance.

  2. Editorial Pre-Check: A suitable Academic Editor or Editor-in-Chief reviews the manuscript to ensure it meets journal standards and identifies potential reviewers.

  3. Peer Review: Manuscripts are sent to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the subject. Reviewers provide confidential reports assessing scientific quality, originality, clarity, and relevance.

  4. Revision and Decision: Based on reviewer reports, editors make decisions (accept, minor/major revision, reject). Authors revise manuscripts as needed, and a second round of review may be requested.

Reviewer Responsibilities

All reviewers are expected to:

  • Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts and data.

  • Declare any conflicts of interest (institutional, collaborative, financial, personal, or other biases).

  • Provide timely, constructive, and unbiased reviews.

  • Evaluate manuscripts on originality, methodology, data validity, results interpretation, and adherence to ethical standards.

  • Avoid recommending excessive citations to their own work or the journal to manipulate metrics.

  • Not use generative AI tools for evaluating manuscripts or preparing review content; limited use for grammar or formatting correction is acceptable if disclosed.

Reviewer Eligibility Criteria:

  • Hold a PhD or equivalent.

  • Have a recognized academic affiliation.

  • Demonstrated expertise and relevant publications in the manuscript’s field.

  • No recent collaborations (past three years) or conflicts with the authors.

Review Reports

A typical review report should include:

  1. Brief Summary: Outline the manuscript’s aim, key contributions, and strengths.

  2. General Comments: Assess clarity, relevance, novelty, methodology, results, and conclusions.

  3. Specific Comments: Address line numbers, tables, figures, or unclear statements; suggest improvements.

  4. Recommendation:

    • Accept in Present Form

    • Accept after Minor Revision

    • Reconsider after Major Revision (maximum two rounds of revision)

    • Reject

Recommendations are submitted confidentially to editors and must be well justified.

Ethical Guidelines

  • Follow COPE, ICMJE, and WAME principles.

  • Maintain impartiality and professionalism at all times.

  • Raise concerns about suspected scientific misconduct, plagiarism, or unethical research immediately to the editorial office.

Reviewer Recognition and Benefits

IRJPL acknowledges reviewer contributions through:

  • Certificates of appreciation for each completed review.

  • Recognition in the annual list of reviewers on the journal website.

  • Opportunities to join the Reviewer Board for experienced reviewers.

  • Option to include review activities in ORCID profiles via OJS integration.

  • Discounts or waivers on future article processing charges for active reviewers.

Reviewer Board & Volunteer Reviewers

  • Reviewer Board Members: Experienced scholars who commit to reviewing multiple manuscripts annually. Members are recognized with certificates and listed on the journal website.

  • Volunteer Reviewers: Scholars can register as volunteers via the OJS platform. Active volunteers demonstrating high-quality reviews may be invited to join the Reviewer Board.

OJS System Access for Reviewers

  • Reviewers receive one-time access links via email to complete assignments in OJS.

  • Review progress, deadlines, and communication with editors are tracked within the system.

  • Reviewers can download manuscripts, submit reports, and upload confidential comments to editors.

Contact for Reviewers

For support or inquiries, reviewers may contact the IRJPL Editorial Office:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +92 332 3334909