Guidelines for Peer Reviewers
Reviewers ensure the quality, integrity, and clarity of neuroscience research. These guidelines outline expectations for fair, constructive, and timely reviews. Consistent reviews improve editorial confidence and research reliability. Timely reviews support author trust and reduce publication delays. Your expertise strengthens the field and integrity overall.
What High Quality Reviews Include
Reviewers should focus on scientific rigor, transparency, and constructive guidance.
Methodological Evaluation
Assess study design, statistical analysis, and data quality. Identify major limitations and explain how they affect interpretation.
Constructive Feedback
Provide clear, actionable comments linked to manuscript sections. Separate critical issues from minor improvements to help editors and authors prioritize revisions.
Ethics and Confidentiality
Reviewers must protect confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
Confidential Handling
Manuscripts and data shared for review are confidential. Do not share content or discuss findings outside the review process.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Decline review requests when conflicts exist, including competitive relationships or financial interests. Transparency protects fairness for authors.
Review Process Expectations
Follow a consistent structure to keep reviews fair and efficient. Clear structure improves editor decision confidence.
Confirm Scope and Expertise
Accept reviews only when the manuscript aligns with your expertise and you can meet the deadline.
Deliver Evidence Based Comments
Support critiques with clear reasoning and reference to methods or data. Avoid personal or speculative statements.
Provide a Clear Recommendation
Summarize whether the manuscript is acceptable, requires revision, or should be declined, with key justifications.
Reviewer FAQ
Support for reviewers is available throughout the process.
How long should a review take?
What if I suspect ethical issues?
Can I request additional data from authors?
What tone should a review use?
Support Rigorous Peer Review
If you need guidance on reviewer expectations or reporting standards, contact the editorial office. We value timely, fair, and constructive reviews. We respond quickly to reviewer questions today.
