Author Appeals Policy

ACADEMIA Biota Nexus Journal (ABNJ)
https://academia.edu.pk/index.php/bnj

At ABNJ, we are committed to upholding a fair, ethical, and transparent editorial process. While our rigorous peer review system ensures the quality and credibility of published research, we recognize that authors may occasionally disagree with editorial decisions. This policy outlines a formal process for appealing such decisions, ensuring that all appeals are reviewed with impartiality and scholarly integrity.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may submit an appeal if they believe that:

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

  • Reviewer feedback contained factual errors or misjudgments that materially impacted the outcome.

  • There is evidence of editorial or reviewer bias, conflict of interest, or procedural irregularities in the review process.

⚠️ Note: Appeals based solely on disagreement with reviewer opinions—without clear, evidence-based justification—are unlikely to be accepted.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Timeframe
Appeals must be submitted within 20 calendar days from the date of the editorial decision notification. Late appeals may only be reviewed under exceptional circumstances.

Submission Method
Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief via the official journal communication channel:
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Appeal Letter Requirements
A formal appeal must include:

  • A clear and concise explanation of the grounds for appeal

  • Specific references to reviewer/editorial comments under question

  • Any supporting evidence, including corrected data or clarification

  • (Optional) A marked-up version of the manuscript and a response to reviewer comments

3. Appeal Review Process

Initial Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal submission along with the original manuscript, peer review reports, and editorial correspondence. Additional input may be sought from the handling editor or editorial board members.

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

  • Re-engage the original reviewers

  • Consult new independent reviewers with no prior involvement

  • Seek advice from a neutral editor or ethics advisor

Final Decision
The journal will respond with one of the following decisions:

  • Uphold the original rejection

  • Invite a revised resubmission for further consideration

  • Accept the manuscript, with or without additional revisions

Authors will receive a detailed written explanation of the outcome.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • Only one appeal is allowed per manuscript.

  • Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a change in the editorial decision.

  • Appeals that are repetitive, unfounded, or written in an unprofessional tone will not be entertained.

5. Ethical Considerations

If an appeal raises potential ethical concerns—such as:

  • Reviewer or editorial bias

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest

  • Breach of confidentiality or procedural misconduct

—ABNJ will refer the case to its Editorial Ethics Committee for independent review.

Corrective actions may include:

  • Reassignment of the manuscript to a new editor or review team

  • A formal investigation aligned with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines

6. Communication and Timeline

  • Acknowledgment: Authors will receive confirmation of appeal receipt within 5 business days.

  • Resolution: Most appeals are resolved within 4–8 weeks, depending on the nature of the case and reviewer availability.

At ABNJ, we value scholarly dialogue and respect authors’ right to appeal decisions when justified. This policy ensures a structured and principled process for reconsideration while preserving the journal's commitment to editorial integrity, scientific rigor, and ethical publishing.