Reviewer's Responsibilities
Reviewers are essential partners in the editorial process of the Journal of Radiology and Oncology (JRO). Their expert evaluations ensure that published research meets high standards of originality, rigor, and integrity. Reviewers are expected to comply with COPE and ICMJE ethical principles.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide fair, constructive, and objective evaluations.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the content of manuscripts.
- Declare any conflicts of interest prior to accepting a review.
- Deliver reports within the agreed timeframe.
- Support authors in improving the quality of their work through balanced feedback.
Ethical Standards
- Do not use unpublished data for personal advantage.
- Respect the anonymity of double-blind review.
- Refrain from derogatory or unprofessional comments.
- Report any suspected ethical violations (e.g., plagiarism, duplicate publication).
Evaluation Guidelines
- Originality: Assess novelty and contribution to the field.
- Scientific Rigor: Review methodology, data analysis, and reproducibility.
- Clarity: Evaluate writing quality, structure, and adherence to guidelines.
- Relevance: Consider significance to radiology, oncology, and multidisciplinary fields.
- Ethics: Ensure research complies with ethical standards for human/animal studies.
Timeliness
Reviewers should respond promptly to review invitations and deliver evaluations on time. If unable to review, they must decline promptly to allow reassignment.
Constructive Feedback
- Provide actionable suggestions for improvement.
- Distinguish between major issues (methodological flaws) and minor issues (grammar, style).
- Avoid dismissive or vague comments.
Reminder: Reviewers are guardians of scientific quality. Their feedback shapes the credibility of the published record and strengthens research integrity.
FAQs
Can reviewers remain anonymous?
Yes. JRO follows a double-blind review system, and reviewer identities are kept confidential.
What if a reviewer suspects misconduct?
They should notify the editors immediately with supporting evidence. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
Are reviewers acknowledged?
Yes. JRO provides certificates of recognition and may list reviewers annually (with consent).