Review process

Mechanical Sciences performs a single-blind peer review. However, it is up to the referees to reveal their identity. Once the manuscript has been registered (as a regular manuscript or part of a special issue), the author will receive a manuscript number from the online editorial support system, the Copernicus Office Editor, and will be asked to upload the manuscript files as described in the manuscript submission.

  • The Copernicus Publications Editorial Support performs an incoming inspection of the submitted files and consults the author if necessary. A plagiarism check is applied and a report is available to editors and referees (if applicable).
  • The Copernicus Office Editor assigns the manuscript to the topic editor/special issue editor covering the relevant subject areas. She/he gets access to the entire manuscript.
  • The topic editor/special issue editor nominates at least two independent referees. As soon as a referee has agreed, she/he receives the manuscript.
  • Once at least two independent referee reports have been received, the Copernicus Office Editor contacts the topic editor/special issue editor to read these reports and to make a decision. In addition to acceptance/rejection, the topic editor/special issue editor can request technical corrections (no further review), minor revisions (further review by topic editor/special issue editor only), as well as major revisions (further review by referees and topic editor/special issue editor).
  • The Copernicus Office Editor informs the author of the manuscript about the decision and provides a link to the reports of the topic editor/special issue editor and the referees.
  • The peer-review process of each manuscript is summarized in the manuscript records. Topic editors/special issue editors, authors, and referees also have access to parts that concern them.