Peer Reviewer Policy

Purpose

The Tobruk University Journal of Medical Sciences (TUJMS) is committed to maintaining a rigorous, fair, and independent peer-review process as the foundation of scholarly quality and research integrity.

Peer reviewers play a critical role in evaluating the scientific merit, ethical soundness, and clarity of submitted manuscripts. This policy sets out the principles, expectations, and selection process governing peer reviewers at TUJMS.

Principles of Peer Review

Peer review at TUJMS is conducted using a double-blind process, in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other.

Peer review at TUJMS is guided by the following principles:

  • Independence: Reviews are conducted free from personal, institutional, or commercial influence
  • Expertise: Reviewers are selected based on subject-matter and methodological competence
  • Confidentiality: All manuscript materials are treated as confidential
  • Objectivity: Assessments are based solely on scientific and scholarly merit
  • Integrity: Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed transparently

These principles are consistent with best practices promoted by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Selection and Eligibility of Reviewers

Peer reviewers are selected by the editorial team based on demonstrated expertise relevant to the manuscript under consideration.

Individuals invited to review for TUJMS typically meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • An established record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant medical or health sciences fields
  • Recognised clinical, academic, or methodological expertise
  • Prior experience as a peer reviewer or editor
  • Ability to provide timely, constructive, and ethically sound reviews

Formal academic qualifications (e.g. PhD, MD) are considered alongside demonstrated scholarly and professional experience.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Provide objective, constructive, and evidence-based evaluations
  • Assess manuscripts for originality, methodological rigour, ethical compliance, and clarity
  • Maintain strict confidentiality before, during, and after the review process
  • Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest and decline reviews where appropriate
  • Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe
  • Refrain from uploading manuscripts or related materials to publicly available AI tools or third-party services where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed
  • Report any suspected ethical concerns, including plagiarism, duplicate publication, or data irregularities, to the editorial team

Reviewers must not use unpublished material for personal or professional advantage.

Editorial Oversight

  • Reviewers are appointed and matched to manuscripts by the editorial team based on expertise and absence of conflicts
  • Editorial decisions are made independently and are not influenced by reviewer status, seniority, or prior service
  • Reviewer recommendations inform, but do not determine, editorial decisions

Recognition of Reviewers

TUJMS recognises the valuable contribution of peer reviewers through:

  • Certificates of appreciation for completed reviews
  • Optional public acknowledgement on the journal website, with reviewer consent
  • Consideration for editorial or advisory roles, where appropriate

Recognition does not confer preferential treatment in editorial decision-making.

Becoming a Reviewer

Scholars interested in reviewing for TUJMS may submit:

  • A current academic or professional CV
  • A brief description of areas of expertise and methodological strengths
  • Relevant publication or review experience, where applicable

Applications and expressions of interest should be sent to:
tujms@tu.edu.ly