Manuscripts submitted to Exposome undergo single-blind peer review by at least two independent experts.
Stages
- Initial editorial check — typically within two working days. The Editor-in-Chief or a handling editor evaluates fit, scope, and basic methodological soundness. Out-of-scope or unsalvageable manuscripts are rejected at this stage.
- Reviewer invitation — handling editor identifies and invites two or more reviewers. Reviewer turnaround is targeted at 14–28 days.
- Author response — authors receive consolidated reviewer comments and an editorial decision (Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject). Revisions must address every reviewer point in a numbered response letter.
- Final decision — by the Editor-in-Chief, based on reviewer recommendations and the revised manuscript.
Reviewer selection
Reviewers are selected for relevant subject expertise and absence of conflict of interest. Authors may suggest reviewers and may request that specific individuals not be approached; the editorial team uses such suggestions at its discretion.
Confidentiality
Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not share the manuscript with colleagues, students, or AI services without explicit permission from the editor.
Appeals
Authors may appeal an editorial decision once, in writing to the Editor-in-Chief, citing specific factual or methodological errors in the review. Appeals are typically resolved within two weeks.
Open peer review
Reviewers may opt to sign their reviews; signed reviews are passed to authors verbatim with the reviewer's name. Anonymous review remains the default.