Peer-Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to the ATR undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure scientific quality, originality, and ethical integrity.

1. Initial Editorial Assessment

Upon submission, the Editor-in-Chief evaluates the manuscript for its relevance to the scope of ATR, clarity of research objectives, and soundness of methodology. In rare cases, exceptional manuscripts or invited papers may be accepted at this stage, provided approval is obtained from the Editorial Board. Conversely, manuscripts may be rejected outright if:

  • The topic does not fall within the scope of ATR,
  • The study design is fundamentally flawed,
  • The research does not adhere to ethical standards, or
  • The paper lacks originality, novelty, or significance.

2. Assignment to Associate Editor and Reviewers

If deemed suitable, the manuscript is assigned to an Associate Editor with subject expertise. The Associate Editor selects at least two independent reviewers with relevant specialization. Of note, submissions by members of the ATR editorial board are subject to full peer review and are handled independently by another member of the editorial team.

3. Double-Blind Peer Review

ATR follows a double-blind peer-review system, ensuring that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to one another. This confidentiality promotes impartial evaluation and constructive feedback.

4. Review Timeline and Responsibilities

Reviewers are typically given two to three weeks to complete their evaluation. They assess the manuscript’s methodology, analysis, results, and overall contribution to the field, and submit a detailed report with a recommendation:

  • Accept without revision: The paper meets all criteria for publication.
  • Accept with minor revisions: Small improvements are required before acceptance.
  • Revise and resubmit (major revisions): Substantial changes are necessary; the revised manuscript undergoes further review.
  • Reject: The manuscript is unsuitable for publication in its current form.

5. Author Revisions

Authors are given two to four weeks to revise their manuscripts, depending on the nature of the review feedback. Failure to submit a revision within the allotted time may result in rejection, subject to the author's reasons being properly communicated to the Editor-in-Chief. 

6. Final Decision

After satisfactory revisions, the Associate Editor endorses the manuscript to the Editor-in-Chief, who makes the final decision on acceptance for publication.

7. Ethical Oversight

ATR follows the COPE Core Practices for peer review and publication ethics. Cases of suspected misconduct, such as plagiarism, data fabrication, and unethical research, are investigated promptly, and appropriate editorial action is taken when necessary.

8. Publication

Accepted manuscripts undergo professional copyediting, proofreading, and layout before publication. All published articles are indexed, archived, and citable, in line with international best practices.