ACE Journal of Neurosciences (ACEJN) is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and impartial editorial process. The journal welcomes legitimate complaints and appeals relating to editorial decisions, peer review, publication ethics, and journal management. All complaints and appeals are handled confidentially, objectively, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).
Complaints
Authors, reviewers, readers, or other stakeholders may submit complaints regarding matters including, but not limited to:
- Editorial decisions.
- Delays in the peer-review or publication process.
- Reviewer conduct.
- Publication ethics.
- Alleged conflicts of interest.
- Research misconduct.
- Authorship disputes.
- Copyright or licensing concerns.
- Journal policies or editorial practices.
All complaints should be submitted in writing with sufficient details and supporting evidence to allow an appropriate investigation.
Appeals Against Editorial Decisions
Authors who believe that a manuscript has been rejected due to a misunderstanding, procedural error, or factual inaccuracy may submit a formal appeal.
Appeals should:
- Clearly explain the reasons for the appeal.
- Respond to the editorial and reviewer comments where appropriate.
- Include any additional supporting evidence or clarification.
Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that the manuscript will be reconsidered. The Editor-in-Chief may seek additional independent reviews before making a final decision.
Investigation Process
Upon receiving a complaint or appeal, the Editorial Office will:
- Acknowledge receipt of the complaint or appeal.
- Conduct an impartial review of the available information.
- Consult editors, reviewers, or external experts where necessary.
- Follow the relevant COPE guidance when applicable.
- Communicate the final decision to the complainant or appellant in a timely manner.
All investigations are conducted confidentially and fairly.
Final Decision
The final decision regarding complaints and appeals rests with the Editor-in-Chief. In complex cases involving research misconduct or ethical concerns, the journal may consult the Editorial Board or the relevant institutions before reaching a final decision.
Commitment to Fairness
ACEJN is committed to ensuring that all complaints and appeals are handled professionally, respectfully, and without discrimination. Individuals submitting complaints or appeals will not be disadvantaged for raising genuine concerns in good faith.
