Medicine, Science and Education considers appeals against scientific decisions and complaints concerning publication ethics, the quality of editorial procedures, and conflicts of interest. Cases are assessed independently, without the involvement of individuals who have a conflict of interest.
1. Appealing an Editorial Decision
Authors may submit an appeal within 30 calendar days of receiving a scientific decision on their manuscript.
Appeals should be sent to the journal’s official email address: mse.journal@ksph.kz.
The appeal must include:
- the manuscript number;
- specific factual or procedural errors that warrant reconsideration;
- supporting materials.
Disagreement with an unfavorable assessment, without supporting arguments, is not sufficient grounds for reconsideration.
2. Independent Assessment
An appeal is considered by an editor who was not involved in the original decision and has no conflict of interest. A panel of three independent experts may be established where necessary.
Appeals against a decision by the Editor-in-Chief are organized by external members of the editorial council, without the Editor-in-Chief’s involvement. Where an independent group is unavailable, external specialists are appointed.
The decision and the procedure followed are recorded in the editorial file. A further appeal is considered if significant new circumstances arise.
3. Response Times
Receipt of a complaint or appeal is acknowledged within five working days.
A reasoned response is provided within 30 calendar days. Where an external investigation is required, this period may be extended, with the reasons explained to the person submitting the complaint or appeal.
4. Complaints About Ethics and Editorial Procedures
Complaints concerning publication ethics, the quality of the editorial process, or conflicts of interest may be submitted regardless of the deadline for scientific appeals.
Complaints against the editorial team may also be submitted through the official channel of the publisher, Kazakhstan Medical University “KSPH” LLP.
Individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected during the assessment process. Anonymous reports are evaluated on the specificity and verifiability of the information provided.
5. Reports of Potential Misconduct
Substantiated concerns are considered before and after publication, regardless of the age of the article. An individual without a conflict of interest is assigned to the case, and original materials, versions, and evidence are preserved.
Authors are informed of the material concerns and given a reasonable opportunity to respond, normally 14 calendar days. Where necessary, the editorial team requests underlying data and explanations and refers research integrity matters to the institution where the work was conducted or another competent body.
Public statements remain neutral while the assessment is ongoing and do not prejudge responsibility. The editorial team is responsible for the reliability of the published scientific record and does not replace a disciplinary investigation.
Where the findings require changes to published material, the procedures set out in the “Corrections and Retractions” section apply.