Reviewer Guidelines

Reviewer Guidelines for Vat-Vriksha
As a peer reviewer for Vat-Vriksha, you contribute to maintaining high scholarly standards and integrity in the dissemination of research in Zoology and Life Sciences. Reviewers must conduct evaluations objectively, ethically, and constructively, adhering to the following expectations and criteria.

1. Role and Responsibilities
Reviewers are expected to provide an unbiased, thorough, and constructive assessment of assigned manuscripts within the specified timeline. Reviewers should judge submissions on their scholarly merit, originality, methodological rigor, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field. Review comments should aid authors in improving their manuscripts and help editors make informed publication decisions.

2. Ethical Standards and Confidentiality
All manuscripts under review are strictly confidential. Reviewers must not share, distribute, or discuss the manuscript content with anyone outside the review process. Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest before accepting a review assignment. Personal relationships, collaborations, or financial ties with authors that could bias the review should be declared to the editorial office. Reviewers must not use unpublished data for personal benefit. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

3. Objectivity and Respectful Communication
Reviews should be conducted objectively, focusing on the scientific quality rather than personal opinions about the authors. Language must be professional, respectful, and constructive. Critique should be specific, evidence-based, and aimed at enhancing the manuscript’s clarity and impact. Personal criticism or derogatory comments about authors are not acceptable. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

4. Review Criteria
When evaluating a manuscript, consider the following criteria:

  • Originality and Novelty: The work presents new ideas, methods, or insights relevant to Life Sciences.
  • Methodological Soundness: Research methods are appropriate, clearly described, and reproducible.
  • Scientific Merit: The findings are well-supported by data and logical analysis.
  • Interpretation and Conclusions: Results are interpreted appropriately and contribute to current knowledge.
  • Presentation and Clarity: The manuscript is organized logically and written in clear, concise English.
  • Referencing and Citation: References are relevant, recent, and properly formatted.
  • Ethical Compliance: Research involving humans, animals, or environmental subjects meets ethical standards and reporting guidelines.

5. Timeliness and Communication
Reviewers should complete their evaluations within the timeframe agreed upon with the editorial office. If circumstances prevent timely completion, reviewers must communicate promptly with the editor. Delays without notice undermine the efficiency of the peer review process. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

6. Report Format and Recommendation
Your review report should be clear, structured, and include:

  • An overall summary of the manuscript.
  • Detailed comments on strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
  • Specific suggestions for revisions (if applicable).
  • A clear publication recommendation: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject.
Reviewers may use the journal’s review form when provided. All comments should be professional and focused on scholarly quality. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

7. Recognition of Reviewer Contribution
Upon completion of the review process, Vat-Vriksha acknowledges reviewers’ contributions with certificates and maintains a task log reflecting completed reviews. This serves as formal recognition of your service to the journal and the broader academic community. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

8. Adherence to International Standards
Reviewers are encouraged to adhere to international ethical and reporting standards (e.g., COPE and ICMJE) when assessing manuscripts. Identification of ethical concerns such as plagiarism, redundant publication, or research misconduct should be reported to the editorial office. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

By accepting a review assignment for Vat-Vriksha, you agree to abide by these guidelines and contribute to the journal’s mission of advancing credible and impactful research in the Life Sciences.