The International Journal of Poultry Science (IJPS) aims to conduct editorial and publishing activities fairly, consistently, and transparently. Authors, reviewers, readers, researchers, and other interested parties may submit complaints concerning journal processes or published material, and authors may request reconsideration of editorial decisions through the appeals process described below.

Scope of the Policy

This policy covers appeals against editorial decisions and complaints relating to editorial handling, peer review, journal procedures, ethical matters, published articles, editorial conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and other aspects of the journal's publishing activities.

A complaint or appeal should contain sufficient details to identify the matter concerned and should include relevant evidence or documentation whenever available.

Appealing an Editorial Decision

Authors may submit an appeal when they believe that an editorial decision was materially affected by a factual misunderstanding, a significant procedural problem, an overlooked scientific issue, or another substantial error in the evaluation of the manuscript.

Appeals should address the reasons for the original decision in a clear, professional, and evidence-based manner. An appeal should not consist solely of disagreement with the scientific judgment of reviewers or editors.

Assessment of Appeals

When an appeal is considered, the journal may review the manuscript, reviewer reports, editorial correspondence, previous revisions, author responses, and any new information relevant to the issues raised.

An editor who was not directly involved in the original decision may be asked to assess the appeal when appropriate. Additional scientific advice or independent peer review may also be obtained if necessary.

After assessment, IJPS may uphold the original decision, reopen consideration of the manuscript, request further information or revision, or take another editorial action considered appropriate. An appeal does not guarantee that a manuscript will be sent for further peer review or accepted for publication.

Complaints Concerning Peer Review

Complaints regarding reviewer conduct, confidentiality, inappropriate comments, undisclosed conflicts of interest, unreasonable editorial delays, or the administration of peer review will be evaluated by the journal.

The purpose of such a review is to determine whether the journal's procedures were properly followed and whether any corrective action is required. Differences in scientific interpretation between authors and reviewers do not necessarily indicate a failure of the peer review process.

Complaints Concerning Editors

A complaint involving an editor, editorial board member, or another person responsible for a manuscript should be referred to an appropriate senior editor or other responsible authority who has not been directly involved in the matter.

No individual should have sole responsibility for determining the outcome of a complaint concerning their own conduct.

Concerns About Published Articles

Readers and other parties may report concerns regarding the scientific reliability, ethical compliance, originality, or integrity of published material. IJPS will evaluate credible concerns and may request explanations, original data, experimental records, ethics documentation, images, statistical information, or other relevant materials.

Where an investigation indicates that the published record requires correction, retraction, or another post-publication notice, the journal will proceed in accordance with its Corrections and Retractions Policy.

Animal Ethics and Welfare Complaints

Complaints involving animal experimentation, animal welfare, ethical approval, humane treatment, experimental procedures, or compliance with applicable animal research standards will be evaluated carefully. The journal may request animal ethics approval documents, experimental protocols, institutional information, or other evidence necessary to assess the concern.

Where appropriate, IJPS may seek clarification from the authors' institution, animal ethics committee, or another relevant authority.

Research and Publication Integrity

Allegations involving fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, inappropriate image or data manipulation, authorship disputes, undisclosed conflicts of interest, duplicate publication, peer review manipulation, or other potential breaches of research or publication integrity will be handled under the journal's applicable ethical policies.

Commercial and Industry-Related Concerns

Where a complaint concerns research involving commercial poultry operations, feed manufacturers, veterinary products, industry-sponsored studies, proprietary information, or other commercial interests, the journal will consider relevant conflict-of-interest disclosures, funding information, contractual restrictions, and scientific evidence when assessing the matter.

Commercial relationships do not in themselves establish misconduct or invalidate research, but relevant interests should be disclosed and appropriately managed.

Confidential Handling

IJPS will handle complaints and appeals with appropriate confidentiality. Information will be shared only to the extent reasonably necessary to investigate and resolve the matter or to meet ethical, institutional, or legal obligations.

Individuals whose work or conduct is questioned should normally be given an appropriate opportunity to respond before a conclusion is reached.

Impartiality and Conflicts of Interest

A person handling a complaint or appeal should not participate in the decision if they have a financial, professional, personal, academic, or other relationship that could reasonably affect their impartiality.

When such a conflict exists, responsibility for the matter should be transferred to an appropriate editor or authority without the relevant conflict.

Decision and Communication

The journal will communicate an appropriate outcome to the complainant or appellant after the matter has been assessed. Confidential, personal, institutional, or legally protected information may limit the details that can be disclosed.

If action affecting a published article is necessary, the journal will provide an appropriate public notice in accordance with its post-publication policies.

Repeated Complaints and Appeals

IJPS may consider a matter closed after it has been appropriately reviewed. Repeated appeals or complaints concerning the same issue may not be reconsidered unless significant new information or evidence is provided.

The journal may restrict communications that become threatening, abusive, discriminatory, or harassing. This provision will not be used to prevent legitimate academic criticism, good-faith concerns, or reasonable disagreement with an editorial decision.

Escalation of Unresolved Matters

When a significant complaint cannot be resolved through the journal's normal procedures, the matter may be referred to the publisher or another appropriate independent authority for further consideration.

The journal may also consult recognized publication ethics guidance when dealing with complex or unusual cases.