Review Process Policy

Stage 1 — initial screening

Each manuscript is first screened by an editor for fit with MESIL’s scope, completeness of files, basic formatting, readability, and suitability for review. Similarity screening is carried out under the Plagiarism Policy. A submission may be returned for administrative correction or declined before review if it fails fundamental requirements.

Stage 2 — double-blind peer review

Manuscripts that pass initial screening are sent to reviewers with relevant expertise. MESIL applies double-blind peer review: authors’ identities are withheld from reviewers, and reviewers’ identities are withheld from authors. Authors must remove identifying information from the anonymised manuscript; metadata and supplementary files that reveal identity should also be checked.

Evaluation criteria

Reviewers assess scope relevance, novelty and contribution, methodological soundness, data and analytical quality, alignment of results with objectives, supporting references, clarity of presentation, and whether conclusions are supported by evidence. Reviewers provide reasoned recommendations; the editor retains responsibility for the final decision.

Timing and decisions

MESIL’s stated target is to complete the review process within a maximum of 30 days. Reviewers are generally given up to 10 working days to complete their review. This target relates to the review stage and does not guarantee that the entire process from submission to publication will be completed within 30 days; reviewer delays, author revisions, or additional review may affect the duration.

Stage 3 — editorial decision

The editor may accept the manuscript, request revisions, invite resubmission for further review, or reject it. Decisions take account of reviewer comments, manuscript quality, and journal policy. A revised manuscript may be returned to reviewers where necessary. A replacement reviewer may be appointed if an assigned reviewer cannot complete the task. An editor with a conflict of interest must not handle the manuscript’s decision.