Review Process Policy

Overview

All manuscripts submitted to Advances in Tropical Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (ATBES) undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure quality, validity, and relevance. Peer review is central to maintaining the integrity of scholarly publication and advancing knowledge in tropical biodiversity and environmental sciences.

Pre-Review Screening

Before being sent for review, every manuscript undergoes initial checks:

  • Compliance with scope, format, and submission requirements;
  • Originality and similarity screening;
  • Confirmation that all authors have approved submission;
  • Verification of ethical statements, conflict of interest, and funding disclosures.

Manuscripts that do not meet basic requirements will be returned to authors or rejected without further review.

Review Model: Double-Blind

This journal uses a double-blind review process, meaning:

  • Reviewers do not know the identity of the authors;
  • Authors do not know the identity of the reviewers;
  • Author details, affiliations, and acknowledgements are removed from the manuscript during review;
  • Reviewers remain anonymous in all published materials and communications.

Selection of Reviewers

  • Reviewers are selected based on expertise, publication record, and absence of conflict of interest;
  • A minimum of two independent reviewers are invited per manuscript;
  • Reviewers are external to the authors’ institutions and have no direct collaboration with the authors;
  • Reviewers serve voluntarily and are expected to declare conflicts of interest promptly;
  • If a reviewer declines or does not respond within the timeframe, additional reviewers may be invited.

Review Criteria

Reviewers are asked to evaluate each manuscript against the following criteria:

Criterion Description
Originality & Significance Does the work advance understanding? Does it present new or important findings relevant to the field?
Scientific Rigour Are methods appropriate, clearly described, and reproducible? Is the analysis sound and conclusions justified?
Clarity & Structure Is the manuscript well-organised, logically written, and understandable? Is the English clear and correct?
Coverage of Relevant Literature Does it acknowledge and appropriately reference prior and related work?
Relevance to Scope Does the work fall within the journal’s stated focus on tropical biodiversity and environmental sciences?

Possible Review Outcomes

Based on reviewer comments and editorial assessment, one of the following decisions will be communicated:

  • Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication with no or only minor editorial changes.
  • Revisions Required: Significant improvements are needed. Authors are given a deadline (typically 14–30 days) to submit a revised version with a point-by-point response to reviewers.
  • Resubmit for Reconsideration: Major changes are required; the revised manuscript will undergo a new round of review.
  • Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards or scope. Rejection is final and does not imply poor quality — it may reflect fit, priority, or scope.

Timeline

  • Initial editorial screening: within 3–5 working days of submission;
  • Reviewer invitations and assignment: within 2 weeks;
  • Expected review completion: within 4–6 weeks from assignment;
  • Overall time to first decision: typically 6–8 weeks;
  • Revisions must be returned within the agreed period; extensions may be granted upon written request before the deadline.

Editorial Decision

The Editor-in-Chief or assigned Co-Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on reviewer evaluations and independent assessment. Reviewers provide recommendations — they do not make the final decision. The editorial team may seek additional reviews if consensus is lacking or if revisions substantially change the manuscript.

Confidentiality & Ethics

  • Reviewers must treat all materials as confidential. They may not share, discuss, or use the work before publication without permission;
  • Reviewers who identify ethical concerns — plagiarism, fabrication, or conflicts of interest — must report them to the editor immediately;
  • Reviewers should not contact authors directly; all communication is through the editorial office;
  • Reviewers who are unable to complete the review on time should notify the editor promptly.

After Acceptance

Once accepted, manuscripts proceed to copyediting, proofreading, and author proofing. The corresponding author will receive page proofs for final approval before publication. The journal reserves the right to make editorial adjustments to conform to house style without altering content.

Appeal Process

Authors who wish to contest a decision may submit a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief within 14 days of notification. The appeal must clearly state the reasons and provide supporting evidence. The editorial board will review the case and issue a final decision.

Contact

For inquiries regarding the review process:
atbes@unud.ac.id

Advances in Tropical Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (ATBES)
E-ISSN: 2622-0628  |  P-ISSN: 2549-6980  |  SINTA 3 Accredited
Last updated: October 21, 2026