Every manuscript submitted to Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry is independently reviewed by at least two reviewers in the form of "double-blind review" (both author(s) and reviewers identities are concealed from each other). Decision for publication, amendment, or rejection is based upon their reports/recommendation. In certain cases, the editor may submit an article for review to another, third reviewer before making a decision, if necessary.
Generally, there are five stages for publication in Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry.
- Initial screening by Editor-In-Chief. The Editor will first evaluate all manuscripts submitted. Although rare, yet it is entirely feasible for an exceptional manuscript to be accepted at this stage. Those rejected at this stage are insufficiently original, have serious scientific flaws, or are outside the aims and scope of the JBS. Those that meet the minimum criteria are passed on to experts for review.
- Peer-review by reviewers. All submitted manuscripts will generally be reviewed by two to three experts who will be asked to evaluate whether the manuscript is scientifically sound and coherent, whether it duplicates the already published works, and whether or not the manuscript is sufficiently clear for publication.
- First decision (can be rejected or accepted with revision). The manuscript: Is original by stating the objectives and gap clearly, Is methodologically sound, Follows appropriate ethical guidelines, Has results/findings which are clearly presented and support the conclusions, Correctly references previous relevant work
- Revision stage.
- Final decision (the revised manuscript will either be accepted or rejected). Reviewers advise the editor, who is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject the article. The Editors will reach a decision based on these reports and, where necessary, they will consult with members of the Editorial Board. Editor’s decision is final.
