Peer-review process

The journal Problems of Tribology applies a double-blind peer review process, in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed. Peer review is conducted by independent experts in the relevant field to ensure the scientific quality, objectivity, and reliability of published research.

Initial Editorial Screening
Upon submission, manuscripts undergo an initial editorial assessment for compliance with the journal’s scope, formatting requirements, academic style, structure, and plagiarism screening. Based on this assessment, the manuscript may be rejected or sent for peer review. If revision is required at this stage, the submission date is considered to be the date of resubmission.

Selection of Reviewers
Reviewers are selected from among national and international researchers with relevant expertise and publication records in the subject area of the manuscript. Preference is given to scholars who have recent publications indexed in international databases (e.g., Scopus or Web of Science) or who are authors of monographs in the relevant field. Reviewers are chosen based on their competence, independence, and absence of conflicts of interest. All reviewers are expected to adhere to the ethical principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics.

Organization of the Review Process
Before review, all identifying information about the authors is removed from the manuscript. Reviewers receive an anonymized manuscript along with a standardized review form. The review process is confidential, and reviewer anonymity is strictly maintained.

Review Criteria
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on the following criteria:
– relevance to the journal’s scope;
– originality and scientific significance;
– adequacy of literature review;
– soundness and appropriateness of methodology;
– validity and reliability of results;
– clarity and justification of conclusions;
– compliance with academic integrity and proper citation practices;
– clarity of the authors’ individual contribution.

Review Timeline and Format
Reviews are prepared using a standard form and are typically submitted within two weeks of receiving the manuscript. Reviewers provide a reasoned evaluation and recommend one of the following:
– accept for publication;
– revise and resubmit (with further review);
– reject.

Editorial Decision-Making
The final decision is made by the editorial board based on the reviewers’ reports. Decisions include acceptance, revision, or rejection. Revised manuscripts are subject to re-review. In the case of a second negative review, the manuscript is rejected.

Documentation and Record Keeping
Review reports are submitted in written (including electronic) form and may include a digital signature. All review materials are archived by the editorial office for at least three years. Authors receive the editorial decision along with anonymized reviewer comments.

Confidentiality and Communication
The editorial office ensures confidentiality throughout the review process. Reviewer identities are not disclosed. The editorial office does not engage in further correspondence regarding rejected manuscripts.