Complaints & Appeals Policy

Last Updated: 04/09/2025

TheSustainImpact is committed to handling all appeals and complaints transparently, fairly, and in line with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidance. This policy applies to the TheSustainImpact Conference Proceedings Series (ISSN 3051-7362) and all future journals published under TheSustainImpact.

1. Appeals of Editorial Decisions

  • Authors may appeal an editorial decision (e.g., rejection, major revision) by providing specific, evidence-based reasons in writing.
  • Appeals must be submitted to editorial@thesustainimpact.com within 30 days of the decision.
  • A senior editor or member of the editorial board not involved in the original decision will review the appeal.
  • The outcome (decision upheld or revised) will be communicated to the author in writing. The decision on appeal is final for that submission.

2. Complaints About the Editorial Process

  • Authors, reviewers, or readers may raise concerns about delays, communication issues, or potential conflicts of interest in the editorial process.
  • Such complaints should be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office.
  • The Managing Editor or Editor-in-Chief will investigate and provide a written response.

3. Complaints About Published Content

  • Readers, reviewers, or institutions may raise concerns about suspected errors, plagiarism, unethical research, or other integrity issues in published work.
  • These concerns will be investigated confidentially in accordance with COPE guidelines and may lead to corrections, editor’s notes, expressions of concern, or retractions.
  • Investigations may involve requests for data, consultation with authors’ institutions, and external expert input.

4. Escalation Procedure

  • If a complainant is dissatisfied with the handling of their case by the Editorial Office, they may request escalation to the Editor-in-Chief.
  • In cases involving the Editor-in-Chief, the complaint may be referred to a designated independent member of the Editorial Board or Advisory Committee.

5. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

  • All complaints and appeals are treated confidentially.
  • No author, reviewer, or reader will be penalized for raising a concern in good faith.

7. Contact

All appeals and complaints should be directed to the Editorial Office:
editorial@thesustainimpact.com