Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to the Editorial Office of the Abai Journal of Biological Sciences (AJBS) that meet formal requirements, formatting rules, and originality criteria based on plagiarism-check system results are mandatorily sent for independent peer review.

In case the author(s) have a conflict of interest with certain researchers, this information must be indicated in the cover letter. This helps prevent potential bias and ensures an objective evaluation of the manuscript.

The journal uses a double-blind peer review system, under which manuscripts are evaluated by at least two independent experts holding an academic degree (PhD, Candidate of Sciences, or Doctor of Sciences) and relevant scientific specialization.

Peer review is conducted confidentially: manuscripts are sent to experts via an electronic platform without revealing author information. Reviewers are required to provide an objective, reasoned, and scientifically grounded assessment of the quality, novelty, and significance of the research.

After receiving the reviews, the editorial office sends the comments to the corresponding author without disclosing reviewer identities. Authors must respond to the comments and make necessary revisions through the journal’s electronic system.

If authors refuse to revise the manuscript, it may be withdrawn from consideration.

After resubmission of the revised version, the scientific editor may send the manuscript for additional peer review if necessary.

Manuscripts that receive positive recommendations from two reviewers and the editor are recommended for publication according to the order of submission. The final decision is made by the editorial board.

In case of disagreement between reviewers (one positive and one negative review), the manuscript may be sent to a third independent expert or a member of the editorial board with appropriate scientific specialization. The final decision is made by the scientific editor.

If two negative reviews are received, the manuscript is rejected without the possibility of publication.

Rejected manuscripts are not used by the editorial office for any purpose. Authors receive an official notification along with the reviews.

All reviews are stored in the journal’s electronic database for three years.

The review period is determined by the editor and does not exceed two months from the moment the manuscript is sent to experts.