Reviewers are critical to the success of the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders (JNND). Their responsibilities ensure manuscripts are evaluated with fairness, scientific rigor, and ethical awareness.

Confidentiality

  • Manuscripts under review must be treated as strictly confidential.
  • Content must not be shared, copied, or used for personal research.
  • Reviewer identities remain confidential unless explicitly disclosed by mutual consent.

Impartiality and Objectivity

Reviews must be free from bias related to author identity, nationality, gender, or affiliation. Constructive and objective evaluation is essential to uphold fairness.

Providing Constructive Feedback

  • Comments should be clear, respectful, and aimed at improving the manuscript.
  • Highlight both strengths and weaknesses.
  • Avoid personal criticism of authors.
  • Support recommendations (accept/reject) with specific justifications.

Ethical Awareness

Reviewers must remain vigilant for ethical issues such as:

  • Plagiarism or duplicate submission
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Unethical human/animal research practices
  • Conflicts of interest not disclosed by authors

Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Reviewer reports provide editors with critical insights that shape final editorial decisions. Although the decision rests with the editor, reviewers influence the scientific credibility of published work.

Timeliness

  • Reviews should be completed within the agreed timeframe (2–3 weeks).
  • If unable to review, notify the editor promptly.
  • Request extensions responsibly when more time is needed.

Reviewers are guardians of research quality. Their commitment strengthens the reliability of neuroscience literature.

Professional Conduct

  • Maintain respectful communication with editors and authors.
  • Ensure recommendations are consistent with the review comments.
  • Decline reviews outside one’s area of expertise.

FAQs

Can reviewers collaborate with colleagues on reviews?

No, unless approved by the editor and acknowledged in the review submission.

What if I discover a conflict of interest after accepting a review?

Notify the editor immediately and withdraw from the review process.

Are reviewers acknowledged?

Yes. JNND issues reviewer certificates and annually acknowledges reviewers’ contributions.

Sources: Adapted from neuroscijournal.com, COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers, ICMJE recommendations.