Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research maintains a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and scientific merit of all published work. The identities of both authors and reviewers are kept strictly confidential throughout the review process.

Submission and Initial Evaluation

• Online Submission: Authors are required to submit manuscripts through the journal’s online editorial management system. User-friendly guides and video tutorials are available to assist with the submission and tracking process.
• Preliminary Screening: Each submission undergoes an initial evaluation by the Editor-in-Chief or a designated editorial board member. The manuscript is assessed for relevance to the journal’s scope, originality, scientific quality, and compliance with submission guidelines.

Plagiarism Detection

• Similarity Check: All submissions are scanned using iThenticate plagiarism detection software to ensure originality.
• Author Responsibility: Authors are encouraged to pre-screen their manuscripts for similarity using iThenticate or equivalent services prior to submission to avoid delays or rejection.

Peer Review Process

• Editorial Assignment: Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to an editor, who manages the peer review process.
• External Review: At least two independent expert reviewers are invited to evaluate the manuscript. Reviewers remain blinded to the authors’ identities and are asked to provide structured feedback, recommend revisions, and assess the manuscript’s suitability for publication.
• Ethical Standards: Reviewers are expected to follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers, ensuring impartial, constructive, and timely evaluations.

Editorial Decision and Revisions

• Decision Making: Based on reviewers’ recommendations and the handling editor’s evaluation, the Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision: accept, request minor or major revisions, or reject.
• Revisions: If revisions are requested, authors must respond to all reviewer and editor comments and resubmit the revised manuscript within 15 days. Additional review rounds may be conducted if necessary.
• Notification: Final decisions are communicated to authors via email. Acceptance letters are issued upon approval of the revised version.

Language Editing and Proofing

• Language Editing: Accepted manuscripts receive free editorial support for grammar and language clarity.
• Galley Proof: A final Word-format proof is sent to the corresponding author for approval. Corrections must be returned within two working days.

Confidentiality and Reviewer Conduct

• Strict Confidentiality: All manuscript content is treated as confidential by editors and reviewers. Manuscript information, including its content, status, and critiques, must not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
• Editorial Discretion: Editors must not share information about a manuscript with anyone other than the authors and reviewers. Confidentiality may only be breached in cases involving suspected fraud or misconduct.
• Reviewer Ethics: Reviewers are not permitted to use or distribute the manuscript without permission from the editor. Reviewer comments must remain confidential and should not be disclosed or published without consent.

Timeline and Efficiency

• Timely Review: The editorial team is committed to efficient manuscript processing and prompt decision-making.
• Reviewer Deadlines: Reviewers are expected to complete evaluations within the agreed timeframe.
• Author Expectations: Authors can generally expect a first decision within four weeks of submission. Final decisions are typically made within six to eight weeks.