Author Appeals Policy

Academia International Research Journal (Multidisciplinary)

At Academia International Research Journal (Multidisciplinary), we are dedicated to a fair, transparent, and academically rigorous peer review process. We understand that authors may sometimes disagree with editorial decisions and wish to request a formal reconsideration. This policy sets out a clear and ethical framework for handling appeals, ensuring all concerns are addressed with integrity, impartiality, and respect for scholarly standards.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may submit a formal appeal if they believe that:

  • The editorial decision was based on a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the manuscript’s content, findings, or data.

  • Reviewer comments or editorial evaluations contain factual inaccuracies that negatively influenced the decision.

  • There is credible evidence of conflict of interest, bias, or a breach of editorial ethics or procedures.

Note: Appeals must be supported by evidence. Disagreements solely based on differing opinions without substantive justification are not valid grounds for appeal.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Timeframe
Appeals must be submitted within 20 calendar days of receiving the editorial decision. Appeals submitted after this period may not be considered unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.

Submission Method
Authors should submit appeals to the Editor-in-Chief via the official contact form on the AIRJ website. The appeal must include:

  • A formal letter clearly stating the grounds for appeal.

  • A point-by-point response addressing reviewer and editorial comments.

  • Supporting evidence or data that clarify the author’s position.

  • An optional revised manuscript with tracked changes if proposed improvements are part of the appeal.

3. Appeal Review Process

Initial Editorial Review
The Editor-in-Chief reviews the original submission, reviewer reports, and appeal documentation. Consultation with the original handling editor or a senior editorial advisor may occur.

Further Evaluation (if necessary)
Depending on the appeal, the Editor-in-Chief may:

  • Request a second opinion from independent reviewers.

  • Re-engage the original reviewers with the author’s responses.

  • Consult an independent editorial board member for additional review.

Final Decision
The Editor-in-Chief will communicate a final decision that may:

  • Uphold the original rejection.

  • Invite a revised resubmission.

  • Accept the manuscript with or without further revisions.

A written explanation will accompany the decision.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • Only one appeal per manuscript is permitted.

  • Appeals are evaluated solely on merit, not persistence or persuasion.

  • Repeated, unfounded, or abusive appeals may lead to exclusion from future submissions.

5. Ethical Considerations

If the appeal involves allegations of editorial misconduct, reviewer bias, or conflicts of interest, the matter will be escalated to the AIRJ Ethics Committee for investigation. Possible actions include:

  • Reassigning the manuscript to different editors or reviewers.

  • Conducting a formal inquiry in line with COPE guidelines.

  • Implementing improvements or disciplinary measures if misconduct is confirmed.

6. Communication and Timeline

  • Acknowledgment: Appeals will be acknowledged within 5 business days.

  • Review Duration: A full response will be provided within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on case complexity.

By maintaining a transparent and structured appeal process, Academia International Research Journal (Multidisciplinary) ensures authors are treated fairly and respectfully, while upholding the highest standards of editorial excellence and ethical publishing.