Canadian Journal of Biotechnology (CJB) considers Reviewers as an integrated part of the journal since they play the most important role in the publication of a research paper. In addition, editorial board members (EB) are also equally important in the journal since they play a crucial role in advising the Editors for the selection of the reviewers. Besides, editorial board members also help in reviewing the manuscripts. Both reviewers and editorial board members are the pillars in the strength of the journal who help the management in peer-review process of the submitted research papers. These persons together are considered to be responsible for the quality of the journal. CJB is fortunate in having an elite group of editorial board members and with their help is in the process of preparing a database of renowned subject area specific reviewers. The EB help in the peer review process based on their own knowledge and experience or they assign the job to the reviewers. The assigned reviewers are expected to submit their comments to the Editorial office by ticking one of the following decisions and thereafter, the final decision is taken either by the assigned EB member or by one of the Editor-in-chiefs. The journal never discloses the names of the reviewers since it gives a fair opportunity to the reviewers to give unbiased comments for passing to the authors.
- Accept without any revision
- Accept after Minor revision
- Major revision required
- Reject (of course, reasoning is given in the comments)
Selection of Reviewers
Selection of reviewers for a submitted manuscript is done by the Journal management in consultation of Editor-in-chief and editorial board members. Journal management is also in the process of creating a database of the reviewers. Selection of reviewers is carried out mainly on the basis of expertise and availability. Journal also encourages the authors to suggest potential reviewers for their manuscripts. Efforts are done to select at least one reviewer from the list of potential reviewers provided by the authors.
Instructions for the Reviewers
Assigned reviewers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the assignment. Simultaneously, they must do reviewing without any biasness and any type of conflict must not be a hurdle in the process.
The manuscript received for reviewing is a confidential document and must not be shared with anyone. It is expected that reviewer will not use data/ information present in the manuscript.
The review process is considered to be time bound since timely publication provides a valuable service both to authors and to the scientific world. As per the policy of the journal, a reviewer is expected to complete the review process within 03 weeks.
The final decision of acceptance or rejection of the manuscript lies with the editorial board member/ Editor-in-chief. Of course, comments from the reviewers are the main support of the decision without biasness. In case of difference of opinion of the reviewers on a manuscript, decision by the editorial board member/ editor-in-chief will be final.
Reviewers are expected to put on record fair reasons to reject an article with recommendations. Journal Management will notify the comments/ decision to the corresponding author.
If major revision is recommended by the reviewer(s), authors’ feedback along with the revised manuscript is sent to the reviewers again for their opinion(s).
Journal management may be contacted through e mail, editor@canadianjbiotech.com.