The Northern Journal of Medical Sciences employs a rigorous “peer review process” to ensure the quality and integrity of its publications. This double-blind process involves at least two reviewers from the relevant specialty for each manuscript. The “peer review process” is designed to be fair and impartial, with no single manuscript assigned to a reviewer at a time, and editors abstaining from the review process.
In the event of a disagreement between reviewers, or if a manuscript is deemed unfit for publication, a third reviewer is brought in. Disputed articles are discussed with the Chief Editor and, if necessary, a third-party ombudsman nominated by the Chief Editor. Authors retain the right to suggest reviewers who should not be assigned their manuscript.
The “peer review process” at the Northern Journal of Medical Sciences is not just about evaluating manuscripts. It also involves responsibilities for the reviewers. These include providing a critical yet constructive evaluation of manuscripts, informing the editor about the suitability of the manuscript for publication, being aware of potential conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and completing the review within the set deadline.
The editorial board is responsible for identifying potential reviewers based on their expertise, research history, professional affiliations, and other factors. Authors may suggest potential reviewers, but the final decision rests with the editor. To prevent overworking, each reviewer is asked to evaluate no more than one manuscript per month.
The decision to accept, revise, or reject a manuscript is based on several factors, including reviewer comments, the editor’s critique, and external factors such as space availability and the manuscript’s relevance to the journal’s readers. The decision is communicated to the authors via email, with an explanation of the factors leading to the decision.
Ensuring the highest standards of scientific integrity, the Northern Journal of Medical Sciences’ peer review process serves as a critical pillar in the realm of academic publishing. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering a scholarly environment that values quality, transparency, and fairness.