Peer-Review and Publication Policy

The International Social Research Nexus (ISRN) maintains the highest standards of academic integrity through a rigorous peer-review system.

Peer Review Model: Double-Blind

Our journal operates a strictly Double-Blind Peer Review process. To ensure complete objectivity, fairness, and to eliminate bias:

  • The identities of the authors are concealed from the reviewers.
  • The identities of the reviewers are concealed from the authors throughout the entire evaluation and publication process.

Step-by-Step Editorial and Peer Review Process

[Submission] ➔ [Desk Review] ➔ [Section Editor Assignment] ➔ [Peer Review (2-3 Experts)] ➔ [Editorial Decision] ➔ [Production & Publication]

Step 1: Manuscript Submission

Authors submit their original manuscripts through the ISRN Journal online submission system. All submissions must adhere to the journal's guidelines and formatting requirements.

Step 2: Initial Screening (Desk Review)

Upon submission, the editorial team conducts a preliminary desk review.

  • Evaluation Criteria: Manuscripts are screened for alignment with the journal’s scope, basic structural formatting, and initial quality standards.
  • Timeline: This process generally takes 5 to 10 days.
  • Outcomes: * Passed: Proceed to the next stage.
    • Desk Rejected: If the manuscript does not meet basic criteria, it is rejected, and the author is notified with brief feedback.

Step 3: Section Editor and Reviewer Assignment

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to a dedicated Section Editor who oversees the specific thematic area. The Section Editor then assigns 2 to 3 independent expert reviewers specializing in the manuscript’s field of study.

Step 4: Peer Review Evaluation

The assigned reviewers evaluate the manuscript’s content, methodology, originality, clarity, and significance.

  • Reviewer Timeline: Reviewers are expected to complete their assessment thoroughly and constructively within 2 to 6 weeks.
  • Reviewer Recommendations: Reviewers submit a detailed report addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the paper, along with one of the following recommendations:
    1. Accept with Minor Revisions: Small changes are required before formal acceptance.
    2. Major Revisions Required: Significant structural, methodological, or analytical changes are needed before a second round of review.
    3. Reject: The manuscript is deemed unsuitable for publication in ISRN.

Step 5: Editorial Assessment and Final Decision

The Section Editor thoroughly evaluates all reviewer feedback and recommendations. The ultimate decision-making authority rests with the editorial board. Based on this assessment, the final decision is communicated to the author:

  • Accepted: The paper is formally accepted for publication (conditional upon the completion of any required revisions).
  • Rejected: The paper will not be published, and a detailed rejection notification with constructive feedback is sent to the author.

Step 6: Production and Publication

Once an article is accepted, it enters the production phase. This includes professional copyediting, typesetting, formatting and final proofreading adjustments. Following production, the final version is assigned a DOI and published immediately on the journal website under our open-access policy.