Editorial Policies
The standards behind every decision we make: how manuscripts are reviewed, how ethics and integrity are protected, and how authors are treated. Written plainly so you can hold us to them.
Sound decisions, made transparently
Journal of Neurological Research and Therapy follows the publication-ethics guidance of COPE and applies the same standards to every manuscript, whatever its source. Acceptance is based solely on scientific merit and fit with our neurology and neuroscience scope. The article processing charge of $2,100 applies only on acceptance and never affects a decision. Every decision is signed by a named editor, and the policies on this page set out exactly how we get there.
How a manuscript moves from submission to decision
Editorial screening
A named editor first checks each submission for scope, ethics and basic methodological soundness before it is sent for review.
Independent peer review
Single-blind (double-blind on request) assessment by at least two independent experts in the relevant area of neurology, evaluating the work on its scientific merit.
A signed decision
A named editor weighs the reviews and signs the decision. We aim for a first decision in about three weeks.
Open access never changes a decision: acceptance rests on scientific merit and scope alone. See the full instructions for authors for what to prepare.
The standards we hold every paper to
From peer review to retractions, each area is governed by a clear, COPE-aligned policy.
Peer review & editorial process
Single-blind review (double-blind on request) by at least two independent experts. An editor screens scope, ethics and methodology before review, and every decision is signed by a named editor, with a first decision in about three weeks.
Publication ethics & integrity
COPE-aligned throughout. Every submission is screened for textual similarity and checked for image and figure integrity, with zero tolerance for plagiarism, fabrication and falsification.
Authorship & CRediT
All listed authors approve the final manuscript and meet recognised authorship criteria. Contributions are described using the CRediT taxonomy, and funding and any medical-writing or editorial assistance must be acknowledged.
Use of AI tools
In line with COPE and ICMJE, generative-AI and large-language-model tools cannot be listed as authors and cannot be credited as a source. Authors must disclose any use of AI in writing or in producing data, figures or analyses, stating the tool and how it was used, and remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of their work.
Conflicts of interest
Authors, editors and reviewers disclose competing interests, financial or otherwise. Conflicts are managed and recused before a reviewer is assigned, and relevant disclosures are published with the article.
Plagiarism screening
Every manuscript is checked for textual similarity against the published literature before review, and figures are screened for manipulation. Overlap, including with an author own prior work, is assessed and resolved under COPE guidance.
Data availability & self-archiving
We ask for a data-availability statement, and we encourage sharing of underlying data where ethics and consent allow. Because every article is CC BY 4.0, authors may archive the published version in any repository, immediately and with no embargo.
Corrections & retractions
We publish transparent corrections, retractions and expressions of concern following COPE flowcharts when the record needs to be put right. These notices stay on the permanent record. Correcting and, where necessary, retracting work is a normal part of research integrity, not a sign of weakness.
Appeals & complaints
Authors may appeal with a clear, evidence-based rationale, reviewed by a senior editor not involved in the original decision. Complaints about process or conduct are handled confidentially with documented outcomes.
Copyright & open-access licensing
Authors retain copyright. Articles are published under CC BY 4.0, made immediately open access, and assigned a permanent Crossref DOI. Anyone may read, share and reuse the work with attribution.
What these policies protect
A trustworthy record
Textual-similarity screening, image-integrity checks and zero tolerance for plagiarism, fabrication and falsification.
Fair treatment
Conflicts disclosed and recused before assignment, appeals reviewed by an uninvolved senior editor, and complaints handled confidentially.
Accountable authorship
All authors approve the final manuscript, contributions are described with CRediT, and funding and writing help are acknowledged.
An honest, correctable literature
Transparent corrections, retractions and expressions of concern, kept on the permanent record, with authors supplying underlying data on request.
Open, citable science
CC BY 4.0 with authors retaining copyright, immediate open access and a permanent Crossref DOI on every article.
Discoverable work
Articles carry a permanent Crossref DOI and are discoverable in Google Scholar and OpenAlex (ISSN 2470-5020).
The pages these policies connect to
Instructions for authors
Article types, formatting, reporting standards and the ManuscriptZone submission path.
Instructions for authors →Aims & scope
What we publish across clinical neurology, neuroscience, neuroimaging and neurorehabilitation, with a quick fit check.
Aims & scope →Editorial board
The named editors who screen, assign and sign the decisions described in these policies.
Editorial board →Article processing charge
What the $2,100 charge covers and why it applies only after acceptance, never to submit or be reviewed.
Article processing charge →About the journal
Who we are, the field we serve, and how to reach the editorial office.
About JNRT →Editorial office
Questions about a policy, an appeal or a correction? Reach the editorial office directly.
Email the editorial office →Frequently asked questions
Does open access change editorial decisions?
Is peer review single- or double-blind?
Who makes the final decision?
How are conflicts of interest handled?
What is your policy on AI and large-language-model tools?
How do you screen for plagiarism?
Can I deposit my article in a repository?
Can I appeal a decision?
Are corrections and retractions published?
Who keeps copyright, and how is the work licensed?
Ready to submit to a journal that plays fair?
Clear policies, named decisions, and a first decision in about three weeks. Read the author guidelines, then submit through ManuscriptZone.