Peer Review Policy

Last Updated: 04/09/2025

TheSustainImpact applies a rigorous, transparent, and COPE-aligned peer review process for the TheSustainImpact Conference Proceedings Series (ISSN 3051-7362). The series accepts Full Papers only, and all submissions undergo double-blind peer review by at least two independent experts.

1. Review Model and Scope

  • Model: Double-blind peer review (authors and reviewers remain anonymous).
  • Coverage: Full Papers only, 4,000–8,000 words, prepared with the official template.
  • Standards: Reviews are conducted in line with COPE guidance and TheSustainImpact policies.

2. Editorial Workflow

  1. Desk Screening: Scope, formatting, ethics, and similarity check (e.g., iThenticate/Turnitin).
  2. Reviewer Assignment: Qualified, independent reviewers selected for subject expertise and absence of COI.
  3. Review: Double-blind evaluation against the criteria below. Reviewers receive files only after accepting the invitation.
  4. Decision: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject; editors synthesize reports and decide.
  5. Revision Cycle: Authors provide a point-by-point response plus clean and tracked-changes files; re-review at editor’s discretion.
  6. Acceptance & Production: Copyediting, layout, and publication under CC BY 4.0.

Indicative timelines: response to review invitation 1 week; review completion 2 weeks per round; desk decision 1–2 weeks; author revisions 1–4 weeks depending on scope.

3. Preparing Anonymized Manuscripts (Double-Blind)

Submissions must be uploaded in Word (.docx) using the official template. PDF files are not accepted for submission.

  • Upload an anonymous manuscript: remove names, affiliations, acknowledgments, and funding details.
  • Replace self-identifying citations with “Author, [year]” where needed.
  • Upload a separate title page with author names, affiliations, ORCIDs, and contact details.
  • Remove hidden metadata from Word files:
    • Word for Windows: File → Info → Check for Issues → Inspect Document → Remove All → Save.
    • Word for MacOS: Tools → Protect Document → select “Remove personal information on save” → Save.

4. Review Criteria

  • Originality & Contribution: Novelty, significance, and added value to the literature.
  • Methodological Rigor: Appropriateness of design, analysis, and transparent reporting.
  • Clarity & Organization: Structure, readability, and quality of figures/tables.
  • Ethics & Integrity: Research ethics, data integrity, and proper citation practices.
  • Relevance & Impact: Fit with sustainability/innovation scope and potential practical impact.

5. Confidentiality and Responsible Use

  • Manuscripts and reviewer reports are confidential and must not be shared or used for personal advantage.
  • Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or data to third-party AI tools or external services.
  • Editorial handling preserves anonymity consistent with the stated review model and applicable data protection laws.

6. Conflicts of Interest (COI)

  • Editors/reviewers must declare financial, institutional, collaborative, or personal conflicts and recuse when needed.
  • Alternative editors/reviewers are appointed to manage any declared conflicts.

7. Revisions and Author Responses

  • Submit a point-by-point response addressing every comment.
  • Provide both a clean manuscript and a tracked-changes version.
  • Deadlines are set by the editor; extensions may be granted upon justified request.

8. Suspected Misconduct During Review

Allegations of plagiarism, data fabrication/falsification, duplicate publication, authorship disputes, image manipulation, or peer-review manipulation are handled per COPE guidance. Actions may include requests for data, revision, rejection, published corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, and, for egregious cases, submission bans for a defined period.

9. Appeals

Authors may appeal an editorial decision within 30 days with specific, evidence-based reasons. Appeals are reviewed by a senior editor not involved in the original decision. The appeal outcome is final for that submission.

11. Contact

For questions about this policy or the status of your submission, please contact the Editorial Office:
editorial@thesustainimpact.com