Peer reviewers play a fundamental role in preserving the scientific rigor, credibility, and ethical integrity of SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology. This guide provides clear expectations, responsibilities, and procedural instructions to help reviewers deliver thorough, constructive, and unbiased assessments of submitted manuscripts.

As a reviewer, your expertise directly contributes to the advancement of immunological science and strengthens the quality of the journal.

1. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

1.1 Evaluate Manuscripts Objectively

• Provide balanced, evidence-based feedback
• Ensure comments are free from personal bias or criticism
• Assess both strengths and weaknesses of the work

1.2 Maintain Confidentiality

• Treat manuscripts as confidential documents
• Avoid sharing, discussing, or using unpublished data
• Do not attempt to identify the authors (double-blind system)

1.3 Respect Review Timelines

• Complete reviews within 10–14 working days
• Inform the Editorial Office immediately if additional time is needed
• Decline invitations promptly if unable to complete the review

1.4 Disclose Conflicts of Interest

Examples of conflicts include:

• Collaboration with the authors within the past 3–5 years
• Shared institutional affiliation
• Financial or competitive interests
• Personal or professional relationships

If any COI exists, reviewers must decline the invitation.

1.5 Uphold Ethical Standards

Reviewers should:

• Report concerns regarding data integrity, plagiarism, unethical experiments, or manipulation
• Alert editors if the manuscript appears substantially similar to other publications

2. Scope of Reviewer Evaluation

When reviewing a manuscript, consider the following key areas:

2.1 Scientific Quality

• Is the research question significant and original?
• Does the study advance immunobiological understanding?
• Are conclusions supported by data?

2.2 Methodological Rigor

• Are methods clearly described and reproducible?
• Were appropriate controls, statistical tests, and sample sizes used?
• Are experiments ethically compliant?
• Does the methodology align with established immunological standards?

2.3 Results & Interpretation

• Are results presented clearly and logically?
• Are figures, tables, and images of high quality?
• Does the discussion reflect critical interpretation without overstating conclusions?

2.4 Novelty, Impact & Relevance

• Does the study introduce innovative concepts or findings?
• Will the manuscript be valuable to immunologists, clinicians, or interdisciplinary researchers?

2.5 Structure & Clarity

• Is the manuscript well-written and organized?
• Are abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion coherent?
• Are references up-to-date and appropriate?

3. Reviewer Report Structure

Your review should be submitted through the SCICONX editorial system and include:

3.1 Reviewer Recommendation

Choose one of the following:

• Accept as is
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

Recommendations must match the comments provided.

3.2 Comments to the Authors

Should include:

• Clear, specific, and constructive suggestions
• Helpful examples where issues appear
• A courteous tone, even when identifying major flaws
• Guidance to improve clarity, accuracy, or methodology

Avoid:

• Personal comments
• Vague statements (“needs improvement” without details)
• Excessive editing of grammar or formatting unless critical for understanding

3.3 Comments to the Editor (Confidential)

These should address:

• Major concerns about scientific validity
• Ethical issues
• Conflicts of interest or concerns about reviewer suitability
• Recommendation justification (brief but precise)

4. Ethical Considerations for Reviewers

4.1 Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

Report if you suspect:

• Duplicate or overlapping publications
• Reused figures or tables
• Unacknowledged use of previous work

4.2 Data Manipulation or Fabrication

Examples include:

• Altered images or flow cytometry plots
• Suspiciously repetitive datasets
• Inconsistencies between text and results

Notify the Editor-in-Chief confidentially.

4.3 Ethical Compliance

Check that authors have provided:

• IRB approval for human studies
• Animal ethics committee approval
• Consent for case reports or identifiable data

5. Guidelines for Constructive Reviewing

High-quality reviews should:

• Highlight both positive aspects and limitations
• Provide actionable recommendations
• Suggest additional literature if necessary
• Distinguish between mandatory revisions and optional suggestions
• Avoid hostile, condescending, or dismissive language

Reviewers should aim to enable authors to improve their work, not simply criticize it.

6. Confidentiality & Data Protection

Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality:

• Do not save manuscript files locally after submission
• Do not use data or insights for personal research
• Do not discuss manuscript content with colleagues

All reviewer communications must occur through official journal platforms.

7. Reviewer Recognition & Benefits

SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology acknowledges reviewer contributions through:

• Annual reviewer certificates
• Eligibility for “Outstanding Reviewer Award”
• Priority consideration for Editorial Board membership
• Recognition during SCICONX scientific events
• Discount considerations for APCs (where applicable)

Reviewers are valued as essential partners in supporting scientific integrity.

8. Handling Special Circumstances

8.1 If You Cannot Complete the Review

Notify the Editorial Office immediately so another reviewer can be assigned.

8.2 If Expertise Is Insufficient

Decline the invitation or review only the sections aligned with your expertise.

8.3 If You Suspect Author Misconduct

Privately notify the Editor with supporting evidence.

8.4 If Manuscript Quality Is Very Poor

Recommend rejection but provide a brief constructive explanation.

9. Reviewer Conduct Standards

Reviewers must demonstrate:

• Professionalism
• Impartial judgment
• Respect for authors and editors
• Commitment to scientific accuracy
• Responsible and ethical behavior

Any violations may result in removal from the reviewer pool.

10. Contact Information

For questions or assistance during the review process:

Reviewers Support – SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology
SCICONX Publishing
Email: editor.fib@sciconxjournals.com