Peer Review Process
The Journal of Hematology and Clinical Research (JHCR) follows a double-blind peer review process to ensure objectivity, fairness, and high academic quality. Reviewers and authors remain anonymous to one another throughout the evaluation period to maintain impartiality.
Initial Submission and Screening
Upon submission, manuscripts undergo a preliminary check by the Editorial Office. This screening ensures compliance with formatting guidelines, plagiarism standards, and journal scope. Manuscripts that fail to meet these standards are returned to authors for revision or declined before peer review.
Editor Assignment
Following initial screening, the Editor-in-Chief assigns the manuscript to a qualified Associate Editor with relevant subject expertise. The assigned editor manages the peer review workflow and selects appropriate reviewers.
Reviewer Selection
Each manuscript is typically evaluated by a minimum of two independent experts in the relevant field. Reviewer selection is based on the following criteria:
- Expertise in the manuscript’s subject area.
- Absence of conflicts of interest with the authors or institutions.
- Prior experience in academic reviewing and publication.
- Availability and adherence to the journal’s review deadlines.
Review Process Stages
- Invitation: Reviewers receive an invitation email with the manuscript abstract and decision deadline.
- Acceptance: Interested reviewers confirm participation and disclose potential conflicts of interest.
- Evaluation: Reviewers assess the manuscript’s quality, originality, and ethical compliance using the JHCR review form.
- Submission of Comments: Constructive feedback and recommendations (accept, revise, reject) are submitted through the online portal.
- Editorial Decision: The editor consolidates reviews and makes a decision based on reviewer consensus and manuscript merit.
Confidentiality and Ethics
All materials under review are confidential. Editors and reviewers must not share, distribute, or use unpublished information for personal gain.
Note: Reviewers are encouraged to report ethical concerns, such as plagiarism or data manipulation, to the editor immediately.
Evaluation Criteria
Reviewers are instructed to evaluate submissions based on the following:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Originality | Assesses novelty and significance of the research. |
| Scientific Validity | Examines data reliability, experimental design, and analysis. |
| Ethical Standards | Ensures human and animal studies meet ethical approval. |
| Clarity and Structure | Evaluates language quality, formatting, and logical flow. |
| Relevance | Measures alignment with the journal’s aims and readership. |
Editorial Decision and Author Notification
After the peer review is complete, the Editor-in-Chief evaluates all recommendations and issues a decision, which may fall under one of the following categories:
- Accept: The manuscript is approved with or without minor edits.
- Major Revision: The manuscript requires substantial improvement before reconsideration.
- Reject: The manuscript does not meet publication criteria.
Revisions and Re-review
Authors are invited to submit a revised version addressing reviewer comments. Revised manuscripts may undergo a second round of review if significant changes were made.
Final Decision and Production
Once accepted, manuscripts proceed to copyediting, typesetting, and proofreading stages. The final version is approved by the Editor-in-Chief prior to publication.
Timeline Summary
Typical peer review duration at JHCR:
- Initial Screening: 3–5 working days.
- Reviewer Assignment: 2–3 days.
- Review Period: 14–21 days.
- Editorial Decision: Within 10 days of review submission.
- Total Turnaround: Approximately 4–6 weeks.
Ethical Oversight and Misconduct Handling
All suspected misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, authorship disputes) is investigated following COPE’s guidelines. The journal maintains zero tolerance for unethical behavior and reserves the right to retract published articles when warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are reviewers selected?
Reviewers are chosen for their expertise, independence, and prior publication record.
Can authors suggest reviewers?
Yes, but the final selection remains at the editor’s discretion.
Are review reports shared with authors?
Yes. Anonymous reviewer comments are shared to help authors improve their work.
Contact Information
Editorial Office – Journal of Hematology and Clinical Research (JHCR)
Heighten Science Publications Inc.
Website: https://www.hematologyresjournal.com/
Email: [email protected]