Complaints & Grievance Policy

Complaints, Appeals & Grievance Policy

The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Explorer (IJMRE) is committed to ethical publishing, editorial independence, and transparency. All complaints and appeals are handled in accordance with best practices recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and relevant indexing agencies including DOAJ and Scopus.

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy defines the procedures for handling complaints and appeals related to editorial processes, peer review, publication ethics, and journal operations, ensuring fairness, accountability, and timely resolution.

2. Scope of Complaints

  • Editorial decisions (acceptance, rejection, revisions)
  • Delays in peer review or publication
  • Peer review integrity and reviewer conduct
  • Allegations of plagiarism, data fabrication, or falsification
  • Authorship disputes
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Ethical concerns involving authors, reviewers, or editors
  • Website, archiving, or metadata-related issues

3. Submission of Complaints

All complaints must be submitted in writing to the official journal email:

Email: complain@ijmre.com

Please include the following information:

  • Full name and institutional affiliation
  • Valid contact email address
  • Manuscript ID or article title (if applicable)
  • Clear and factual description of the complaint
  • Supporting documents or evidence, where available

Complaints without sufficient information may not be processed. Anonymous complaints will be considered only if supported by credible evidence.

4. Acknowledgement & Initial Review

  • All complaints are acknowledged within 5 working days.
  • The Editorial Office conducts an initial assessment to determine the nature and severity of the complaint.

5. Investigation Process

  • Complaints related to editorial decisions or peer review are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an independent editorial member not involved in the original decision.
  • Ethical complaints are investigated in accordance with COPE flowcharts and guidelines.
  • Relevant parties may be consulted while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.

6. Resolution & Decision

  • A formal response or decision is normally communicated within 2–4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Possible outcomes include clarification, correction, re-review, rejection confirmation, retraction, or other appropriate corrective actions.
  • Decisions are based on evidence and established editorial policies.

7. Appeals Process

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a written appeal with clear justification and supporting arguments. Appeals are reviewed independently by a senior editor or editorial committee member. The decision at this stage is final.

8. Ethical Misconduct & Corrective Actions

In cases of confirmed ethical misconduct, IJMRE may take appropriate actions, including but not limited to:

  • Publication of corrections or retractions
  • Issuance of expressions of concern
  • Notification to relevant institutions or funding bodies, where required

9. Confidentiality & Record Keeping

All complaints and appeals are handled with strict confidentiality. Records of complaints and their resolutions are securely maintained for accountability and compliance purposes.

10. Non-Discrimination & Editorial Independence

IJMRE ensures that all complaints and appeals are handled without discrimination based on nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, or political beliefs. Editorial decisions remain independent of commercial, personal, or external influence.