Peer Review Policy

Peer Review Policy for Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research is committed to the publication of high-quality, rigorous, and impactful research in the field of artificial intelligence. Our peer review process plays a critical role in ensuring that the research published in the journal meets the highest standards of academic integrity, quality, and relevance. Below are the key components of our peer review policy.

1. Types of Peer Review

We use double-blind peer review for all manuscripts submitted to Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research. In this process, both the identities of the authors and the reviewers are kept confidential. This approach is designed to ensure an unbiased and impartial evaluation of the submitted research.

  • Double-Blind Review: Both the reviewers and the authors remain anonymous to each other during the peer review process. This helps to eliminate any bias based on the authors' identity, institutional affiliation, or other personal characteristics.

2. Reviewer Selection

Reviewers are selected based on their expertise in the subject matter of the manuscript. We aim to assign at least two independent reviewers for each manuscript. The selection of reviewers is based on:

  • Relevance of expertise: Reviewers should have a strong background in the specific area of artificial intelligence or related fields covered by the manuscript.
  • Experience: Reviewers should have a significant academic or professional experience in the field, including experience in peer reviewing for other reputable journals.
  • Impartiality: Reviewers must have no conflicts of interest with the authors of the manuscript. If any potential conflicts of interest are identified, the reviewer is expected to recuse themselves from the review process.

3. Manuscript Submission and Review Process

  • Initial Submission: Upon receiving a manuscript, the editorial team conducts an initial assessment to determine if it fits within the scope of the journal. If the manuscript is deemed appropriate for peer review, it is sent to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise.

  • Peer Review: Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on scientific merit, methodology, clarity, significance, and relevance to the field of artificial intelligence. The key aspects considered during the review include:

    • Originality and novelty of the research.
    • Appropriateness and soundness of the methodology.
    • Clarity and quality of writing.
    • Relevance to the artificial intelligence research community.
    • Ethical considerations, including proper citation and transparency of data.

    Reviewers are asked to provide detailed and constructive feedback on the manuscript, offering suggestions for improvement, and recommending one of the following outcomes:

    • Accept
    • Minor revisions
    • Major revisions
    • Reject

  • Revisions: If revisions are requested, authors are required to address the reviewers' comments in a revised version of the manuscript, along with a point-by-point response. The revised manuscript is then reassessed by the reviewers.

4. Decision Making

Based on the reviewers' feedback, the editorial team will make the final decision on the manuscript. The decision could be:

  • Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication without further revisions.
  • Minor Revisions: The manuscript is accepted with minor revisions that can be addressed by the authors without further review.
  • Major Revisions: The manuscript requires substantial revisions, and it may be resubmitted for further review.
  • Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards for publication.

The editorial team will notify the authors of the decision along with the reviewers' feedback, ensuring that the decision is made in a fair and transparent manner.

5. Confidentiality

All manuscripts, reviews, and correspondence are treated as confidential. Reviewers are expected to maintain confidentiality throughout the review process and should not share or discuss any content from the manuscript with others without the editor's consent. Similarly, authors must not disclose any information about the peer review process.

6. Ethical Guidelines for Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to adhere to the following ethical guidelines:

  • Objectivity and impartiality: Reviewers must assess the manuscript based on scientific merit and contribute constructive feedback that improves the quality of the work.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest with the authors before agreeing to review a manuscript. If conflicts arise during the review process, reviewers must inform the editorial team and recuse themselves from the evaluation.
  • Timeliness: Reviewers are expected to provide feedback within the agreed-upon timeline. If they are unable to meet the deadline, they must notify the editorial team as soon as possible.

7. Ethical Guidelines for Authors

Authors are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards in submitting their work:

  • Originality and Plagiarism: Manuscripts must be original and should not have been published elsewhere. Authors must properly cite all sources used in their research.
  • Data Integrity: Authors must ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data presented in their manuscript. Any errors or omissions in the data must be disclosed.
  • Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial or personal relationships that may have influenced the research.

8. Post-Publication Review

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research welcomes post-publication commentary, including letters to the editor and public discussions. Authors are encouraged to engage with the academic community in responding to any queries or critiques of their published work.

In the case of serious errors or ethical concerns arising after publication, Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research will follow its correction or retraction policy. This may involve issuing corrections or retractions to maintain the integrity of the scientific record.

9. Reviewer Recognition

We recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions of our reviewers. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research acknowledges reviewers' work through:

  • Certificates of Appreciation: Reviewers may receive certificates of appreciation for their contributions to the journal.
  • Annual Reviewer Recognition: The names of all reviewers are published in the journal’s annual reviewer acknowledgment section.

10. Open Peer Review (Optional)

While Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research currently follows a double-blind review process, we are open to the possibility of adopting an open peer review model in the future. This would involve the publication of reviewer comments alongside the article, along with disclosing reviewer identities. This policy will be periodically reviewed, and any changes will be communicated to authors and reviewers.