Review Model
All manuscripts undergo double-blind peer review — authors do not know reviewer identities, and reviewers do not know author identities. Reviewer disclosure is optional at the reviewer's discretion after a final decision is made.
Timeline
| Stage | Target Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Desk review | 48 hours | Scope, format, ethics screening by handling editor |
| Reviewer assignment | Days 3–5 | Minimum two qualified external reviewers |
| First decision | Day 21 | Target from submission date |
| Author revision | 30–60 days | Deadline set by handling editor |
| Final decision | Within 14 days of revised submission | Accept, minor revision, or reject |
| DOI assignment | On acceptance | CrossRef DOI registration (application in progress) |
| Publication | Within 7 days of acceptance | Formatted, typeset, and indexed |
Note: The 21-day first decision is a target, not a guarantee. Complex manuscripts or unavailable reviewers may extend this timeline. Authors are notified promptly if delays occur.
Reviewer Selection
Reviewers are selected based on subject expertise, publication record, and absence of conflicts of interest. Authors may suggest up to four reviewers and request exclusion of up to two, with reasons. Suggested reviewers are not guaranteed to be assigned.
Reviewer Reports
NeuScience uses a structured review form requiring reviewers to address: scientific soundness and validity of methodology; originality and significance of findings; clarity and quality of presentation; data availability and reproducibility; and appropriate citation of relevant literature.
All rejection decisions include full reviewer reports. Authors receive actionable feedback, not boilerplate responses.
Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must declare any personal, professional, or financial conflicts of interest before accepting a review invitation. Editors are excluded from handling manuscripts from their own institutions or collaborators within the preceding three years.
Appeals
Authors may appeal a rejection if they believe a significant factual error was made in the review process. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the decision, addressed to the Editor-in-Chief. Appeals on the basis of reviewer opinion alone will not be considered.
Publication Ethics
NeuScience follows the COPE guidelines on publication ethics. Suspected misconduct — including plagiarism, data fabrication, or duplicate submission — is investigated in accordance with COPE procedures.