The Iraqi Journal of Embryos and Infertility Researches (IJEIR) is committed to ensuring the integrity and high quality of the scientific literature it publishes. To achieve this, the journal employs a rigorous, confidential, and objective Double-Blind Peer Review process for all submitted manuscripts.
1. Initial Editorial Screening
Upon submission via the Editorial Manager system, every manuscript undergoes a preliminary evaluation by the Editorial Office and the Editor-in-Chief. This initial screening determines whether the manuscript:
- Falls within the journal's Aims and Scope.
- Adheres to the journal's formatting and submission guidelines.
- Meets basic standards of scientific writing and English language proficiency.
- Passes the initial similarity and plagiarism check.
Manuscripts that do not meet these fundamental criteria may be rejected at this stage without being sent for external review (Desk Rejection).
2. Double-Blind Peer Review
Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent, external experts in the relevant field for thorough evaluation.
IJEIR utilizes a strict double-blind review system:
- Reviewer Anonymity: The identities of the reviewers are concealed from the authors.
- Author Anonymity: The identities and affiliations of the authors are concealed from the reviewers. (Authors are required to submit a blinded manuscript file separately from their title page to ensure this anonymity).
3. Reviewer Evaluation Criteria
Reviewers are asked to evaluate the manuscript based on the following criteria:
- Originality and significance of the research.
- Methodological soundness and scientific rigor.
- Accuracy and logical interpretation of data.
- Relevance and currency of cited literature.
- Clarity, conciseness, and readability of the text.
- Ethical compliance.
Reviewers provide constructive feedback and a formal recommendation to the Editor regarding the manuscript's suitability for publication.
4. Editorial Decision
The final decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript rests entirely with the Editor-in-Chief, guided by the recommendations of the peer reviewers and the Handling Editor.
Authors will receive one of the following decisions:
- Accept Without Revisions: The manuscript is accepted in its current form.
- Minor Revisions Required: The manuscript requires minor textual changes or clarifications before it can be accepted.
- Major Revisions Required: The manuscript requires significant methodological, analytical, or structural improvements. The revised version may be sent back to the original reviewers for a second round of evaluation.
- Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication in IJEIR, either due to scientific flaws, lack of originality, or falling outside the journal's scope.
5. Timeline
We strive to provide authors with a timely and efficient review process. While the duration of the peer review depends on reviewer availability, IJEIR aims to communicate the first editorial decision to the authors within 4 to 6 weeks of submission.