Peer Review Process

All submissions to Kidneys undergo a double-blind peer review process in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous.

1. Initial Editorial Screening

Each manuscript is first evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief or an assigned Editor to ensure:

  • relevance to the journal’s scope

  • originality

  • compliance with ethical standards

  • quality of writing

  • completeness of submission

Manuscripts that do not meet basic requirements may be returned without external review.

2. External Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass initial screening are sent to a minimum of two independent external reviewers who are experts in the relevant field.

Reviewers assess:

  • scientific and methodological quality

  • originality and contribution to the field

  • clarity and coherence of presentation

  • accuracy of data and validity of analysis

  • ethical compliance

  • relevance to nephrology, kidney diseases, and related disciplines

3. Review Timeframe

The standard review timeframe is 2–4 weeks.
Revised manuscripts may undergo additional rounds of review.

4. Confidentiality

All manuscripts are treated as confidential documents.
Reviewers must not:

  • share, copy, or distribute the manuscript

  • use data or ideas obtained through peer review

  • discuss the content with others

5. Reviewer Independence & Conflict of Interest

Reviewers are required to disclose any conflict of interest.
Manuscripts authored by Editorial Board members or the Editor-in-Chief are handled by an independent Guest Editor or Associate Editor who is not affiliated with the authors.

6. Editorial Decision

The final publication decision (accept, revise, reject) is made by the Editor-in-Chief or designated Associate Editor, taking into account reviewer recommendations and journal policies.

Possible decisions:

  • Accept

  • Minor revision

  • Major revision

  • Reject

7. Revision Process

If revisions are required:

  • authors receive reviewer comments

  • authors must submit a revised manuscript within 10 days (or a negotiated timeline)

  • revisions may be re-reviewed by the original reviewers

8. Appeals

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by providing a justified explanation.
Appeals are reviewed by an independent editor.