Complaints & Appeals

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) is committed to maintaining high standards of editorial integrity, transparency, fairness, and professionalism throughout the publication process. The journal welcomes legitimate complaints and appeals concerning editorial decisions, peer review, publication procedures, ethical matters, and other aspects of the journal’s activities.

All complaints and appeals are handled seriously, fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with applicable publication ethics standards and COPE guidance.

1. Complaints

Complaints may concern, but are not limited to:

  • editorial decisions or editorial procedures;

  • delays in manuscript processing or publication;

  • peer review procedures or reviewer conduct;

  • conflicts of interest;

  • authorship or contributorship disputes;

  • suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, fabrication, falsification, or other research misconduct;

  • breaches of confidentiality;

  • inappropriate use or disclosure of personal information;

  • ethical concerns related to published or submitted research;

  • concerns regarding editorial or publishing practices.

Complaints should be submitted in writing to the journal through the official editorial contact.

2. Submission of Complaints

A complaint should provide sufficient information to allow Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) to understand and assess the matter. Where possible, the complainant should include:

  • the title and DOI of the relevant manuscript or article, if applicable;

  • a clear description of the complaint;

  • relevant evidence or supporting documentation;

  • the names of the individuals or parties involved, where relevant; and

  • the requested clarification or proposed resolution, where appropriate.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where sufficient information is provided to allow the journal to assess the concern.

3. Handling of Complaints

Complaints are initially reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or a designated editorial representative.

The person responsible for handling a complaint will not participate in its assessment where they have a conflict of interest or are directly involved in the matter.

Depending on the nature of the complaint, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may:

  • review relevant editorial and peer-review records;

  • seek clarification from authors, reviewers, editors, or other relevant parties;

  • consult members of the Editorial Board or independent experts;

  • contact the relevant institution, research organization, or ethics committee where appropriate; and

  • take corrective or other appropriate action when a legitimate concern is established.

The journal will make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints as promptly as possible while ensuring that the matter is properly investigated.

4. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they believe that the decision was based on a significant factual error, a misunderstanding of the manuscript, a serious procedural problem, or other substantial circumstances that could reasonably affect the decision.

An appeal should:

  • be submitted in writing;

  • clearly identify the manuscript;

  • explain the specific grounds for the appeal;

  • address the reasons given in the editorial decision; and

  • provide relevant evidence or clarification where appropriate.

An appeal should not simply repeat arguments already considered during the original editorial assessment.

5. Appeal Procedure

Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or another appropriate editor who was not directly responsible for the original decision, where feasible.

The journal may seek advice from additional independent reviewers or editors when necessary.

The original editorial decision may be reconsidered where the appeal identifies a substantial error, procedural irregularity, or relevant information that was not previously considered.

An appeal may result in:

  • confirmation of the original decision;

  • reconsideration of the manuscript;

  • additional peer review; or

  • another appropriate editorial action.

The outcome of an appeal will be communicated to the corresponding author together with the reasons for the decision.

6. Finality of Editorial Decisions

Editorial decisions are made independently on the basis of the manuscript’s scientific quality, originality, relevance, ethical compliance, and the journal’s editorial policies.

An appeal does not guarantee that an editorial decision will be changed. Once an appeal has been fully considered and a final decision has been communicated, the journal may consider the matter closed unless substantial new evidence or a serious procedural concern is subsequently identified.

7. Complaints Concerning Editors or Editorial Board Members

Complaints concerning the Editor-in-Chief, an editor, or a member of the Editorial Board will be handled by an appropriate editorial authority who is independent of the complaint, where feasible.

Where a complaint raises serious ethical or professional concerns, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may seek advice from an independent expert, the publisher, the relevant institution, or another appropriate body.

8. Complaints Concerning Peer Review

Concerns about reviewer conduct, including breaches of confidentiality, inappropriate comments, conflicts of interest, or other unethical behavior, may be investigated by the journal.

Reviewers are expected to maintain confidentiality, provide objective and constructive assessments, disclose relevant conflicts of interest, and comply with the journal’s peer-review and publication ethics policies.

9. Confidentiality and Protection Against Retaliation

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will handle complaints and appeals confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

Individuals who raise legitimate concerns in good faith should not be disadvantaged or subjected to retaliation as a result of submitting a complaint or appeal.

Information will be shared only with individuals who need it for the purpose of assessing and resolving the matter, subject to applicable legal and ethical requirements.

10. Complaints Concerning Published Articles

Where a complaint concerns the integrity or reliability of a published article, the journal may investigate the matter in accordance with its Research and Publication Misconduct Policy and Corrections and Retractions Policy.

Depending on the outcome, the journal may publish a correction, editorial note, expression of concern, or retraction where appropriate.

11. External Complaints and Institutional Investigations

Where a complaint requires investigation beyond the journal’s authority, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may refer the matter to the relevant institution, employer, research organization, ethics committee, or other competent authority.

The journal may cooperate with legitimate investigations while respecting confidentiality and applicable legal requirements.

12. Commitment to Fairness and Transparency

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) aims to ensure that complaints and appeals are assessed objectively, consistently, and without discrimination.

The journal will seek to correct errors in its editorial and publication processes and to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

All complaints and appeals are handled in accordance with the journal’s policies, applicable publication ethics principles, and relevant COPE guidance.