Instructions For Referees

The Journal of Mediterranean, European and African Sciences (JMEAS) relies on the expertise and commitment of referees to maintain high standards of scientific quality, integrity, and credibility. Referees play a fundamental role in the peer-review process by providing objective, constructive, and timely evaluations of submitted manuscripts.

1. Role and Responsibilities of Referees

Referees are expected to:

  • provide an impartial and professional assessment of the manuscript;

  • evaluate the originality, relevance, methodological rigor, and scientific contribution of the work;

  • offer constructive feedback aimed at improving the quality and clarity of the manuscript;

  • support the Editors in making informed editorial decisions.

2. Confidentiality

All manuscripts received for review are confidential documents.

Referees must:

  • not share, distribute, or discuss the manuscript with third parties;

  • not use unpublished data or ideas for personal research or advantage.

Confidentiality must be respected before, during, and after the review process.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Referees must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including:

  • recent collaboration with the authors;

  • institutional affiliation with the authors;

  • personal, professional, or financial relationships related to the manuscript.

If a conflict of interest exists, referees should decline the review invitation.

4. Evaluation Criteria

Referees are invited to assess manuscripts according to the following criteria:

  • relevance to the journal’s aims and scope;

  • originality and contribution to existing knowledge;

  • clarity of objectives and research questions;

  • appropriateness and rigor of methodology;

  • validity and interpretation of results;

  • coherence of discussion and conclusions;

  • adequacy and accuracy of references;

  • overall quality of language and presentation.

5. Review Reports

Referee reports should be:

  • clear, structured, and evidence-based;

  • respectful and professional in tone;

  • focused on the scientific content rather than personal opinions.

Comments should distinguish between:

  • major issues affecting the validity or integrity of the work;

  • minor issues related to clarity, structure, or presentation.

6. Recommendations

Referees are asked to provide one of the following recommendations:

  • Accept

  • Accept with minor revisions

  • Reconsider after major revisions

  • Reject

Recommendations must be supported by clear and reasoned comments.

7. Timeliness

Referees are expected to complete their reviews within the agreed timeframe.

If a referee is unable to meet the deadline, they should inform the Editorial Office promptly so that alternative arrangements can be made.

8. Ethical Considerations

Referees should alert the Editors if they identify:

  • plagiarism or self-plagiarism;

  • data fabrication or falsification;

  • duplicate or redundant publication;

  • unethical research practices.

All ethical concerns are handled confidentially and in accordance with the journal’s ethics policies.

9. Use of Automated or AI Tools

Referees must not upload manuscripts or confidential content to external tools or services, including automated or artificial intelligence systems, unless explicitly authorized by the Editors.

10. Anonymity and Review Model

JMEAS applies a single-blind peer-review process.

Referees remain anonymous unless they explicitly agree to disclose their identity.

11. Acknowledgement of Referees

The journal recognizes the essential contribution of referees to the scholarly community. Review activities may be acknowledged periodically in an aggregated and non-identifying manner.

12. Policy Review

These Instructions for Referees are reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving best practices and ethical standards in academic publishing.

Any updates will be published on the journal website and will take effect upon publication.