Appeals Policy

Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they believe that a significant procedural error, factual misunderstanding, reviewer error, or relevant information may have materially affected the decision.

An appeal should provide a clear and reasoned explanation of the grounds for the appeal and should include relevant supporting information where appropriate.

An appeal should not simply repeat the arguments contained in the original manuscript or request reconsideration solely because the authors disagree with the scientific judgment of the reviewers.

The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal and may:

• reconsider the decision;
• request clarification from the handling editor;
• seek an additional independent review;
• assign the manuscript to another editor when appropriate.

The final decision following an appeal is made by the journal's editorial authority and will normally be considered final.

Appeals are handled fairly, confidentially, and independently of commercial considerations.