PEER REVIEW PROCESS
Science, Education and Innovations in the Context of Modern Problems (SEI) implements a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure the quality, integrity, and impartial evaluation of all submitted manuscripts. Under this model, the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process, thereby minimizing potential bias and ensuring that submissions are assessed solely on their scholarly merit, methodological soundness, and contribution to the field.
The journal is committed to maintaining a transparent, fair, and efficient review process that supports both editorial decision-making and the continuous improvement of submitted research.
Review Procedure
1. Initial Editorial Screening
Upon submission, all manuscripts undergo an initial evaluation conducted by the editorial office. This stage aims to determine whether the manuscript meets the fundamental requirements for further consideration.
The assessment focuses on:
- Alignment with the journal’s aims and scope
- Compliance with submission and formatting guidelines
- Overall academic quality and clarity
Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria or fall outside the scope of the journal may be declined at this stage without external peer review (desk rejection). This ensures an efficient use of reviewer resources and maintains the overall quality of the journal.
2. Ethical and Similarity Assessment
Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are subjected to similarity analysis using recognized plagiarism detection tools such as iThenticate or equivalent systems. This process aims to verify the originality of the work and to identify potential issues such as plagiarism, redundant publication, or improper citation practices.
Where ethical concerns are identified, the editorial office may request clarification from the authors or reject the manuscript in accordance with the journal’s ethical policies.
3. Reviewer Assignment
Submissions that meet editorial and ethical requirements are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise. Reviewers are selected based on their academic qualifications, research experience, and publication record, as well as the absence of conflicts of interest.
This careful selection process ensures that manuscripts are evaluated by qualified experts and that the integrity and objectivity of the review process are preserved.
4. Peer Review Evaluation
Reviewers are invited to provide a structured and critical evaluation of the manuscript. Their assessment typically addresses:
- Originality and significance of the research
- Methodological rigor and scientific validity
- Clarity, organization, and coherence of the manuscript
- Relevance and adequacy of references
- Compliance with ethical and academic standards
Reviewers are expected to deliver constructive, evidence-based feedback that supports both editorial decisions and the improvement of the manuscript.
5. Editorial Decision
Based on the reviewers’ reports, the editorial team makes one of the following decisions:
- Acceptance
- Minor revision
- Major revision
- Rejection
The final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief, taking into account reviewer recommendations and the journal’s editorial standards. All decisions are communicated clearly to the authors, accompanied by reviewer comments to ensure transparency and facilitate revisions where necessary.
6. Revision and Final Evaluation
If revisions are requested, authors are required to submit a revised manuscript along with a detailed, point-by-point response to reviewer comments.
Revised submissions may be returned to the original reviewers or assessed by the editorial team before a final decision is reached. This iterative process ensures that the final published work meets the journal’s standards of quality and scientific rigor.
Double-Blind Review Requirements for Authors
To preserve the integrity of the double-blind review process, authors must ensure that all identifying information is removed from the manuscript file. This includes names, affiliations, acknowledgments, and any self-identifying references.
Author details—such as full names, institutional affiliations, ORCID identifiers, and contact information—must be submitted separately, typically in a title page document. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in delays or rejection at the initial screening stage.
Reviewer Responsibilities and Ethical Standards
Reviewers are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. In particular, they must:
- Provide objective, constructive, and timely evaluations
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all submitted materials
- Disclose any conflicts of interest prior to accepting a review assignment
Reviewers must not use unpublished information obtained through the review process for personal or professional advantage.
Confidentiality
All manuscripts, reviewer reports, and editorial communications are treated as strictly confidential. These materials must not be shared with or disclosed to any third party without prior authorization from the editorial office.
Appeals and Complaints
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions if they believe that the evaluation process was not conducted appropriately. Appeals must be submitted in writing and should include a clear and justified explanation.
All appeals and complaints are handled in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics, ensuring fairness, transparency, and independent assessment where necessary.
Withdrawal Policy
While the journal encourages authors to carefully consider submission decisions, SEI recognizes that withdrawal requests may arise under specific circumstances. Such requests are handled in accordance with international ethical standards and editorial best practices.
Authors may request withdrawal prior to the initiation of peer review by submitting a formal request that includes manuscript details and justification. Requests submitted after peer review has begun are subject to editorial evaluation and may require additional clarification to ensure that the integrity of the review process is not compromised.
Withdrawal requests after acceptance are considered only in exceptional cases and must be supported by substantial justification.
Further Information
For comprehensive guidance on manuscript preparation, submission procedures, and publication policies, authors are encouraged to consult the relevant sections of the journal website, including:
- Author Guidelines
- Submission System
- Publication Ethics