Peer Review Policy

HARD Publishing Company – Polish Journal of Environmental Studies (PJOES)
The Polish Journal of Environmental Studies (PJOES) is committed to publishing original and high-quality scientific contributions through a transparent and rigorous peer review process. Our workflow ensures the highest standards of research integrity.

1. Initial Manuscript Screening & Integrity Check
All scientific contributions undergo an immediate assessment to ensure originality and technical quality before being sent to reviewers.

• Integrity Screening: Every manuscript is screened using iThenticate (by Turnitin) for plagiarism and redundant publication.
• AI Detection: We utilize Turnitin’s AI writing detection technology to identify undisclosed generative AI content. Manuscripts must represent original human scholarship; undisclosed AI use is grounds for immediate rejection.
• Editorial Pre-evaluation: Submitted manuscripts are evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief and the Statistical Editor (review articles are exempt from statistical checks) to ensure they meet the journal’s scope and formal requirements.

2. Reviewer Assignment (Single-Blind Model)
Upon a positive pre-evaluation, the manuscript is moved to the formal review stage managed by an Executive Editor.

• Single-Blind Protocol: PJOES operates under a single-blind review model. The identity of the reviewers is kept strictly confidential from the authors, while reviewers are provided with author details to help identify potential conflicts of interest.
• Independent Experts: The Executive Editor assigns at least two independent reviewers. These experts are selected from the Advisory Board, qualified Polish or foreign scientists in the field, or experts suggested by the authors (subject to editorial approval).
• Bias Prevention: Reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest before accepting a manuscript for evaluation.

3. Decision and Revision
The Executive Editor and the Editor-in-Chief jointly determine the fate of the manuscript based on the reviewers' technical reports.

• Decisions: The final decision will be: Accepted for Publication, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Rejected.
• Authority: Final acceptance of any paper rests solely with the Editor-in-Chief.

4. Mandatory Revision Procedures
If a manuscript is sent back to the corresponding author for revision, the following steps must be followed:

• Comprehensive Response: The author must address all points raised by the reviewers and provide a detailed Explanation Letter (justification/rebuttal).
• Verification: Revised manuscripts are verified by the Executive Editor and, if necessary, sent back to the original reviewers for a second round of evaluation.
• Integrity Re-check: The final version may be re-screened for integrity to ensure no unauthorized content was added during the revision process.