The Journal of Biomedical Engineering (JBE) greatly values the contributions of its reviewers, whose expertise and constructive feedback are essential in maintaining the quality, credibility, and impact of the journal. Reviewers play a key role in ensuring that published articles meet the highest standards of scientific rigor, originality, and ethical integrity.

This document provides guidance on expectations, responsibilities, and best practices for reviewers.

1. Role of Reviewers

As a reviewer, your responsibilities include:

• Providing an objective, fair, and constructive evaluation of the manuscript.
• Assessing the novelty, validity, clarity, and overall contribution of the work.
• Suggesting improvements that strengthen the manuscript’s scientific and technical quality.
• Identifying ethical concerns, including plagiarism, data fabrication, or conflicts of interest.
• Submitting your review within the agreed timeframe to ensure timely editorial decisions.

2. Confidentiality

• All manuscripts under review are confidential documents.
• Do not share, distribute, or discuss manuscript content with others without prior permission from the editorial office.
• Reviewers must not use any unpublished material for personal or professional benefit.

3. Evaluation Criteria

When reviewing, please consider the following:

• Relevance & Scope: Does the manuscript align with the aims of JBE?
• Originality: Does it present new insights, methods, or applications in biomedical engineering?
• Scientific Rigor: Are the methodology, experiments, or simulations sound and reproducible?
• Clarity & Organization: Is the manuscript well-written, structured, and supported with appropriate data, figures, and references?
• Ethics Compliance: Does the study follow ethical guidelines for human/animal research where applicable?
• Contribution: Does the work advance knowledge or practice in biomedical engineering?

4. Review Report Structure

Reviewers are encouraged to provide feedback in the following format:

1. Overall Recommendation: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject.
2. Summary of the Manuscript: Briefly describe the study and its significance.
3. Major Comments: Substantive issues (e.g., experimental design, data analysis, interpretation).
4. Minor Comments: Smaller corrections (e.g., clarity of writing, figure labeling, reference formatting).
5. Confidential Comments to the Editor (optional).

5. Ethical Responsibilities

• Declare any conflicts of interest (financial, professional, or personal) that may affect your impartiality.
• Decline the review if you feel unqualified or unable to provide a timely and unbiased assessment.
• Report suspected cases of plagiarism, duplicate publication, or unethical practices to the editor.

6. Timeliness

• Reviewers are expected to complete their review within the time specified in the invitation (usually 2-3 weeks).
• If you require an extension, please inform the editorial office promptly.

7. Reviewer Recognition

• JBE acknowledges the invaluable contribution of its reviewers.
• Reviewers may receive certificates of recognition and may be considered for editorial board positions based on performance and dedication.
• Outstanding reviewers may also be invited to contribute editorials or special issue leadership.

By adhering to these guidelines, reviewers uphold the integrity of the peer review process and contribute to the advancement of biomedical engineering research. The Journal of Biomedical Engineering deeply appreciates the time, expertise, and commitment of its reviewers.