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Complaints and Appeals Policy

Complaints and Appeals Policy

Last updated: 10 July 2026

The Journal is committed to fair, transparent and objective handling of complaints and appeals.

1. Editorial Appeals

Authors may appeal an editorial decision where they believe that:

  • a significant factual or procedural error affected the decision;
  • reviewers or editors substantially misunderstood the manuscript;
  • relevant evidence was overlooked; or
  • The Journal’s editorial procedures were not correctly followed.

An appeal must provide a clear and reasoned explanation supported by relevant evidence. Mere disagreement with an editorial decision is not sufficient grounds for appeal.

Appeals should normally be submitted within 30 calendar days of the editorial decision.

2. Handling of Appeals

Appeals will be considered objectively and, wherever reasonably possible, by an editor or qualified individual who was not solely responsible for the original decision.

The Journal may seek additional editorial or expert advice.

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reconsideration, additional peer review or reversal of the original decision.

The Journal’s decision following formal appeal will normally be final.

3. Complaints

Complaints may concern:

  • editorial procedures;
  • peer-review conduct;
  • unreasonable delays;
  • publication ethics;
  • conflicts of interest;
  • editorial behaviour;
  • discrimination or inappropriate conduct;
  • published content; or
  • failure to follow the Journal’s stated policies.

Complaints should provide sufficient information and supporting evidence to allow appropriate assessment.

4. Complaint Procedure

Complaints should first be submitted to the Journal’s editorial office (gnest@gnest.org).

Where the complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief or another individual who would normally handle the matter, it should be referred to another appropriate senior representative who is independent of the subject of the complaint.

The Journal will acknowledge complaints within a reasonable timeframe and endeavour to provide a substantive response as promptly as circumstances allow. Complex matters involving research misconduct, institutional investigations, legal issues or external evidence may require additional time.

5. Confidentiality and Fairness

Complaints and appeals will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible. All parties will be treated fairly and given an appropriate opportunity to provide relevant information. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith should not be disadvantaged for doing so.

6. Research Integrity Complaints

Allegations concerning plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, unethical research, authorship disputes, peer-review manipulation or other forms of misconduct will be considered under the Journal’s Publication Ethics and Research Integrity Policy.

Where appropriate, the Journal may contact relevant institutions, funders, ethics committees or other competent bodies.

7. Contact

Complaints and appeals should be submitted to:

Global NEST Journal
Email: gnest@gnest.org

The subject line should clearly state either “Editorial Appeal” or “Complaint”, as appropriate, and include the manuscript ID or article DOI.