Peer Review Process

Peer Review Process is a process where the journal assesses the quality of a manuscript before publication, reviewed by relevant experts in the field to review and comment on accepted manuscripts. This process aims to help editors determine if the manuscript should be published in Tropis: Jurnal Riset Teknologi Laboratorium Medis

Key points in the Peer Review Process :

  • Manuscripts submitted to the journal first go through initial screening by the editorial team.
  • Manuscripts that pass the check will be sent to at least two peer reviewers for review.
  • Peer reviewers independently make recommendations to the journal editor, whether the manuscript should be rejected or accepted (with or without revisions).
  • The journal editor considers all feedback from peer reviewers and makes a decision to accept or reject the manuscript.

Peer Review Process for journal publication is essentially a quality control mechanism, where experts evaluate manuscripts aimed at ensuring the quality of the published manuscripts. However, peer reviewers do not make the decision to accept or reject papers, but provide decision recommendations. In journals, decision-making authority lies solely with the journal editor or the journal's editorial board.

When a manuscript is submitted to the journal, the manuscript is assessed to see if it meets the criteria for submission. If yes, the editorial team will select potential peer reviewers in the research field to peer-review the manuscript and make recommendations. There are four types of peer review used by Tropis: Jurnal Riset Teknologi Laboratorium Medis

  • Single-blind: reviewers know the author's name, but the author does not know who reviewed their manuscript unless the reviewer chooses to sign their report.
  • Double-blind: reviewers do not know the author's name, and the author does not know who reviewed their manuscript.
  • Open peer: the author knows who the reviewer is, and the reviewer knows who the author is. If the manuscript is accepted, the named review report is published alongside the article.
  • Transparent: reviewers know the author's name, but the author does not know who reviewed their manuscript unless the reviewer chooses to sign their report. If the manuscript is accepted, the anonymous reviewer report is published alongside the article.

Why peer review?

Peer review is an integral part of scientific publishing that confirms the validity of the manuscript. Peer reviewers are experts who contribute their time to help improve the manuscripts they review.

Steps of peer review

  1. Paper Submission
    The author submits the manuscript to Tropis: Jurnal Riset Teknologi Laboratorium Medis. This is usually via an online system on the page or the journal may accept submissions via author email.
  2. Editorial Team Assessment
    The editorial team checks the manuscript to ensure it fits the journal template. The quality of the manuscript is not assessed at this time.
  3. Assessment by Editor-in-Chief
    The editor-in-chief checks that the manuscript is appropriate for the journal, sufficiently original, and interesting. If not, the paper may be rejected without further review.
  4. Peer Reviewer Invitation
    The editor sends invitations to individuals who are appropriate reviewers.
  5. Response to Invitation
    Potential reviewers consider the invitation against their own expertise, conflicts of interest, and availability. They then accept or decline. If possible when declining, they suggest alternative reviewers.
  6. Review Conducted
    The reviewer sets aside time to read the manuscript several times to form an initial impression of the manuscript and make notes for a detailed point-by-point review. The review is then submitted to the journal, with a recommendation to accept or reject it or with a request for revision before being reconsidered.
  7. Journal Evaluates Reviews
    The editor considers all returned reviews before making an overall decision. If reviews differ significantly, the editor may invite additional reviewers to get additional opinions before making a decision.
  8. Decision Communicated
    The editor sends a decision email to the author including relevant reviewer comments.
  9. Next Steps
    If accepted, the manuscript is sent to production. If rejected or sent back, the author is asked to revise accompanied by comments from the reviewer to help the author improve the manuscript. At this stage, the reviewer is also sent an email to inform them of the author's revision results. If the manuscript is revised again, the reviewer expects a new version of the manuscript. However, if only minor changes are requested, then the review is done by the editor.