General regulations

The reviewing process at The Ukrainian Biochemical Journal (UBJ) is based on the principles outlined in the publishing ethics policy of Elsevier and the recommendations of COPE and WAME, which emphasize impartiality, confidentiality, responsibility of reviewers and editors, and the prevention of conflicts of interest.

Manuscripts submitted to UBJ undergo anonymous (single-blind) peer review by two leading specialists in the relevant field. Authors do not know the identities of the reviewers, whereas reviewers have access to information about the authors and their affiliations. Authors may suggest independent reviewers for their work, and the editorial office considers such suggestions with respect, but reserves the right to appoint reviewers who can provide the most thorough and objective evaluation.

Reviewers are informed that all manuscripts are the private intellectual property of the authors and contain confidential information that must not be disclosed or used for personal advantage.

The reviewer’s decision is not final. If an author disagrees with the reviewer’s comments, they may provide a reasoned response to the editorial office. The manuscript may then be sent for additional review or for discussion by the Editorial Board. In all disputable cases, the final decision is made by the Editorial Board.

Reviewing procedure

• Manuscripts are submitted online via the COMET system.

• The journal’s scientific editors assign reviewers based on the subject of the manuscript.

• Reviewers are given three weeks to evaluate the manuscript.

• If both reviewers provide positive evaluations, the manuscript proceeds to publication.

• If substantial revisions are required, the author is given three weeks to revise the manuscript, after which the revised version is sent for re-review.

• The final decision regarding publication is made by the Editorial Board at its meeting.

• Once approved, the manuscript is transferred to the editorial office for preparation for publication.