Peer Review Policy

The International Journal of Fundamental Research and Development follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, integrity, and fairness of the research it publishes.

Purpose of Peer Review

Peer review helps the journal assess the originality, methodological soundness, clarity, and scholarly contribution of submitted manuscripts. It also provides authors with constructive feedback that can improve the quality of their work.

Type of Review

The journal uses a double-blind system. The identities of the authors are concealed from the reviewers, and the identities of the reviewers are concealed from the authors. This approach is intended to reduce bias and support objective evaluation.

Review Process

Every manuscript first undergoes an initial editorial screening to confirm that it falls within the aims and scope of the journal, is complete, and meets basic standards of presentation and originality. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be returned without external review.

Suitable manuscripts are then assigned to at least two independent reviewers who have expertise in the relevant subject area. Reviewers evaluate the work on the basis of originality, research design, clarity of presentation, significance of findings, and relevance to the journal.

Editorial Decision

After receiving the reviewers’ reports, the Editor-in-Chief or a designated handling editor makes one of the following decisions:

• Accept
• Minor revisions
• Major revisions
• Reject

Authors receive a reasoned decision letter along with the anonymised comments of the reviewers. When revisions are requested, authors are expected to respond carefully to each point and submit a revised version within the given timeframe.

Timeline

The journal aims to complete the first round of peer review within four to six weeks of submission. Authors are informed if significant delays occur. The overall time from submission to final decision depends on the quality of the manuscript and the responsiveness of both authors and reviewers.

Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive, and timely evaluations. They must maintain strict confidentiality, declare any potential conflict of interest, and refrain from using information obtained during the review for personal advantage.

Ethical Standards

The peer review process is conducted in accordance with the core practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Any attempt to manipulate the review process, or any suspected ethical misconduct, is treated seriously and may result in appropriate action by the journal.

The International Journal of Fundamental Research and Development remains committed to a fair, transparent, and consistent peer review process that supports the publication of high-quality scholarly research.