The Eskişehir Technical University Journal of Science and Technology A - Applied Sciences and Engineering (ESTUSCIENCE-SE) upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout its editorial and peer-review processes. To ensure that all parties are treated equitably, the journal provides clear procedures for handling appeals and complaints in alignment with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
Appeals of Editorial Decisions
Authors who believe that their manuscript has been unfairly rejected or that the peer-review process was not conducted appropriately may submit a written appeal. The appeal must include a detailed justification, addressing specific reviewer or editor comments, and may include additional information or data supporting the author’s position. Appeals and complaints are acknowledged within 30 days and resolved within 60 days whenever possible.
Appeals should be submitted to the Editorial Office through the journal’s official communication channels. The Editorial Office, in consultation with the Editorial Board, will review each appeal carefully and objectively. Depending on the case, the manuscript may be re-evaluated by the same or different reviewers. The final decision made by the Editorial Office after the appeal review is communicated formally to the authors and is considered final within the journal’s internal process. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the final editorial decision, they may contact an independent Ombudsperson appointed by Eskişehir Technical University, who reviews the case objectively and whose decision is final.
Complaints about the Editorial Process
Any concerns related to the handling of manuscripts, communication delays, or procedural irregularities may be raised with the Editorial Office. Complaints will be reviewed impartially, ensuring that no party involved in the original process handles the complaint directly. The journal aims to provide an initial response within a reasonable timeframe and, if necessary, take corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
Complaints about Ethical Misconduct
Concerns related to potential ethical breaches are handled in accordance with COPE’s official flowcharts and ethical guidelines. If credible evidence of misconduct is found, the Editorial Office may contact the relevant author(s) for clarification and, if required, notify the author’s affiliated institution or governing authority for formal investigation.
Resolution and Record Keeping
All appeals and complaints are recorded and reviewed regularly to ensure consistent application of journal policies and continuous improvement of editorial procedures. ESTUSCIENCE-SE is committed to handling all such matters confidentially, respectfully, and without bias, in the interest of maintaining the integrity and credibility of the scholarly record.