Peer review stands as a cornerstone of academic publishing, safeguarding scientific integrity, quality, and relevance. At Synergy Publishers, we are unwavering in our commitment to a rigorous, ethical, and transparent peer review process, thereby ensuring the highest standards for all manuscripts entrusted to us.

Reviewer Expectations

Reviewers are expected to:

• Conduct evaluations promptly, fairly, and with due objectivity.
• Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the review process.
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
• Abide by the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Diversity of Reviewers

We actively welcome reviewers from a wide range of disciplines, regions, and backgrounds, thereby ensuring that the review process remains equitable, inclusive, and reflective of diverse scholarly perspectives.

Peer Review Model

Synergy Publishers employs a single-blind system: reviewers are aware of the authors’ identities, while their own identities remain undisclosed.

Reviewer Selection

The Editor-in-Chief typically appoints 3–5 reviewers, drawing from the Editorial Board, Reviewer Panel, or trusted databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus). In specialist or emerging areas, external experts may also be invited.

Author-Suggested Reviewers

Authors may propose potential reviewers. Each suggestion is carefully scrutinised for expertise, impartiality, and absence of conflicts of interest.

Author-Suggested Reviewers

Manuscripts undergo preliminary screening for scope and compliance. Invited reviewers are provided with the full text and asked to assess:

• Originality and relevance
• Clarity of abstract and overall structure
• Methodological soundness
• Quality of data presentation (tables/figures)
• Accuracy of references
• Ethical compliance

Reviewers should also verify adherence to appropriate reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT, PRISMA, CARE, STROBE).

Rating and Recommendation

Reviewers are asked to provide constructive feedback for both authors and editors, accompanied by one of the following recommendations:

• • Accept without revision
• Accept subject to minor revision
• Major revision required
• Reject

Substantial revisions are ordinarily re-evaluated by the same reviewers.

Transfer of Articles

Should a manuscript be of high quality but outside the scope of a specific journal, it may, with the authors’ consent, be considered for transfer to another Synergy title.

Reviewer Recognition

To honour the invaluable service of reviewers, Synergy Publishers offers certificates of recognition, concessions on article processing charges (APCs) following repeated contributions, optional listing on our website, and opportunities to join the Editorial Board.

Conflict of Interest

Conflicts of interest—such as prior collaboration, shared institutional affiliation, or financial ties—must be disclosed. Reviewers should withdraw where impartiality may be compromised. All matters are handled in accordance with COPE principles.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts under review are strictly confidential. Co-reviewing is permissible only with prior editorial consent. Disclosure or citation of unpublished material is expressly prohibited.

Review Timelines

• Standard review period: 14 days
• Extensions may be granted upon request
• Typical overall review cycle: 3–4 weeks

Misconduct in Peer Review

We actively monitor and address malpractice, including manipulated peer review or unethical citation practices, in accordance with COPE protocols.

Reviewer Registration

Researchers wishing to serve as reviewers are invited to complete the online registration form available on our website. Applications are considered by the Editor-in-Chief based on expertise and journal requirements.