Reviewer Guidelines

Version 1.0 | Effective date: 1 January 2027

1. Role of Reviewers

Peer reviewers play a central role in maintaining the scientific quality of GEM. Reviewers assess the originality, validity, and significance of a manuscript and advise the handling editor on whether it merits publication, and what revisions would strengthen it. The final editorial decision rests with the editor, not the reviewer; reviewer reports are one input among several.

2. Conduct and Confidentiality

Reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive, and timely feedback, and to maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts under review. Manuscripts and associated materials must not be shared with, or discussed with, anyone other than the handling editor without prior permission.

Reviewers may not upload confidential manuscript content to public generative AI tools, as this may breach author confidentiality. Any assistive use of AI in preparing a review report must not compromise the objectivity or confidentiality of the process.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers must declare any financial, personal, or professional relationship with the authors or their institution that could be perceived to bias their judgment, including recent collaboration, shared funding, or personal relationships. Reviewers with a conflict of interest regarding a specific manuscript must decline the invitation to review.

4. Review Timeline

Reviewers are asked to complete their evaluation within 3 weeks of accepting an invitation. Reviewers who anticipate a delay should notify the editor as early as possible so that the timeline can be adjusted or an alternative reviewer identified.

5. Declining a Review Invitation

Reviewers who feel unqualified to assess a manuscript, who identify a conflict of interest, or who cannot complete a review within a reasonable timeframe should decline promptly. Suggesting an alternative qualified reviewer is welcome but not required.

6. Contact

For questions about the review process, contact editor@gemmedicine.org.

These guidelines are reviewed annually and updated as needed.