Ethical Standards

For Reviewers

At Scribeia, peer reviewers are vital partners in maintaining the integrity, fairness, and quality of scholarly communication. The review process depends on honesty, objectivity, and respect. Reviewers are entrusted not only with evaluating research but also with contributing to the constructive development of science and scholarship.

Commitment to Objectivity

Reviewers are expected to assess each manuscript impartially and on its scholarly merit alone. Personal bias, rivalry, or favoritism has no place in the peer review process. Reviews should focus on the work itself—not on the author’s identity, institution, nationality, or gender.

  • Evaluate manuscripts based solely on originality, clarity, methodological rigor, and contribution to the field.
  • Refrain from judgment influenced by personal beliefs, competition, or prior relationships with the authors.
  • Provide evidence-based reasoning to support all recommendations.

Confidentiality

Peer review is a confidential process. Manuscripts are privileged documents shared in trust between editors and reviewers.

  • Do not share, copy, or discuss the manuscript or its contents with anyone outside the review process.
  • Do not use any unpublished data, concepts, or findings for personal or professional gain.
  • Maintain confidentiality even after the review is complete.

Constructive and Respectful Feedback

Reviewers should provide balanced, thoughtful, and professional feedback that helps authors improve their work. Criticism should be directed at the manuscript, never at the author personally.

  • Use clear and respectful language in comments and recommendations.
  • Highlight strengths as well as weaknesses in the manuscript.
  • Offer concrete suggestions for improvement where appropriate.
  • Avoid dismissive or sarcastic tone, regardless of the paper’s quality.

Timeliness and Communication

Prompt and reliable reviewing supports the integrity of the publication timeline. Reviewers should accept review invitations only when they can complete the task within the requested period.

  • Respond to review invitations promptly, accepting only those within your expertise and availability.
  • Inform the editor immediately if you cannot meet the agreed deadline.
  • Provide timely, detailed, and well-organized reports.

Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must declare any real or perceived conflicts that could affect their objectivity. Transparency ensures fairness in the review process.

  • Disclose financial, institutional, personal, or collaborative relationships that may influence your judgment.
  • Decline to review if a conflict exists and explain it confidentially to the editor.
  • Refrain from using confidential information from a manuscript for competitive advantage.

Competence and Professionalism

Reviewers should accept assignments only in areas where they have sufficient expertise. If unfamiliar with a major aspect of the work, reviewers should notify the editor and avoid providing misleading feedback.

  • Undertake reviews only for manuscripts that match your expertise.
  • Consult editors if uncertain about your qualifications or ability to review impartially.
  • Provide feedback that reflects professional standards of scholarly communication.

Ethical Oversight

Reviewers share responsibility for maintaining ethical research and publication standards. If they identify potential ethical concerns, they should notify the editor in confidence.

  • Alert editors to suspected plagiarism, data manipulation, or duplicate publication.
  • Report any ethical concerns discreetly without contacting the authors directly.
  • Assist editors in verifying research integrity when requested.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Reviewers may use AI-assisted tools responsibly to improve grammar, summarize text, or check references, but not to generate review content or make evaluative judgments.

  • Disclose any use of AI tools in the review process to the editor.
  • Never upload confidential manuscripts into public AI platforms or systems.
  • Ensure that all evaluations and conclusions represent your own professional judgment.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Ethical reviewing is an evolving practice. Reviewers are encouraged to engage in ongoing learning to stay current with best practices, research ethics, and editorial standards. Participation in reviewer training and feedback programs is valued as part of professional growth.

Accountability and Acknowledgment

Reviewers are accountable for their conduct and contributions to the integrity of the scholarly record. At the discretion of authors and editors, Scribeia may acknowledge reviewers who consistently demonstrate excellence and integrity in their work.

Closing Statement

By serving as a reviewer for Scribeia, you accept a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness, confidentiality, and respect. Ethical review is not only a duty—it is a commitment to nurturing quality, trust, and progress in global research communication.

Contact

For questions regarding these policies or ethical concerns, contact:
Editorial Office, Scribeia Publishing
Email: editorial@scribeia.com