Complaints and Appeals Policy

Complaints and Editorial Appeals Policy

Avicenna Journal of Clinical and Translational Medicine

The Avicenna Journal of Clinical and Translational Medicine (AJCTM), published by Avicenna Medical Press (AMP), is committed to fair editorial procedures, accountability and respectful communication with authors, reviewers and readers.

The journal welcomes evidence-based concerns relating to editorial decisions, peer-review procedures, publication ethics and the handling of submitted or published work.

1. Scope of Complaints

Complaints may concern:

• Procedural errors during editorial assessment
• Unreasonable delays or communication failures
• Potential conflicts of interest
• Concerns about fairness or confidentiality
• Publication ethics or research-integrity issues
• Post-publication editorial actions
• Professional conduct during review or editorial correspondence

Complaints must be submitted in good faith and should provide sufficient details for meaningful assessment.

2. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may request reconsideration of an editorial decision where they believe that a material scientific misunderstanding, factual error, procedural irregularity or unmanaged conflict of interest affected the outcome.

An appeal should identify the manuscript reference number and provide specific reasons supported by relevant information.

General disagreement with reviewers, without substantive supporting arguments, is not normally sufficient grounds for reconsideration.

3. Submission of an Appeal

Appeals should be submitted by the corresponding author through an email to the Editorial Office.

The subject line should read:

The appeal should include:

• Manuscript title and identification number
• Date and nature of the decision being appealed
• A concise explanation of the grounds for appeal
• Evidence or relevant supporting documentation
• The specific reconsideration requested

Authors are encouraged to submit appeals promptly following the editorial decision, preferably within 30 days.

4. Assessment of Appeals

The Editorial Office will acknowledge receipt and assess whether an appeal raises substantive grounds for review.

Where appropriate, the case may be referred to an independent editor who was not involved in the original decision.

Additional expert assessment may be sought when necessary.

An appeal does not automatically result in a new external review, reversal of a decision, or acceptance of the manuscript.

5. Complaints About Editorial Conduct

Concerns about inappropriate conduct, breaches of confidentiality, conflicts of interest or unfair treatment should be reported with relevant supporting information.

A complaint involving a handling editor should be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or another independent responsible editor.

If the complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief, the publisher should arrange an appropriately independent assessment without interfering with scientific editorial judgments.

6. Research and Publication Ethics Complaints

Allegations involving plagiarism, fabricated data, inappropriate authorship, compromised peer review, or other research-integrity matters will be considered in accordance with AJCTM's Research and Publication Ethics Policy.

The journal may seek relevant documentation or refer concerns to appropriate institutions when further investigation is necessary.

7. Response Times

AJCTM aims to acknowledge formal complaints or appeals within five working days.

An initial assessment will normally be targeted within fifteen working days.

Complex cases may require additional time, particularly where institutional investigations or independent expert assessments are necessary.

Where possible, the complainant will be informed of substantive delays and the expected next procedural stage.

8. Confidentiality and Fairness

Complaints will be handled with appropriate confidentiality, impartiality and respect for all parties.

Relevant individuals will normally have an opportunity to respond to material allegations before a final determination is made.

Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is unacceptable.

9. Outcomes and Final Decisions

Possible outcomes may include upholding the original decision, reconsideration by an independent editor, procedural correction, additional review, clarification or other appropriate editorial action.

Reasons for the outcome will be communicated where possible and consistent with confidentiality obligations.

The completion of an appeal does not limit the journal's ability to reconsider a matter if significant new evidence becomes available.

10. Submission and Contact

Please direct complaints and appeals to the AJCTM Editorial Office:

Avicenna Journal of Clinical and Translational Medicine
editor@ajctm.org

Please include the manuscript ID, article DOI or publication URL where applicable.

11. Policy Review

AJCTM will review this policy periodically to maintain appropriate standards of editorial accountability, fairness and independent assessment.