Editorial workflow

Initial editorial assessment. The editors-in-chief carry out an initial assessment of thematic suitability, minimum quality, ethical requirements and formal compliance. Manuscripts that do not meet the minimum standards of quality or scientific clarity may be rejected at this stage (desk reject).

Assignment to associate editor. The editors-in-chief assign the manuscript to an associate editor, who has two functions:

1. Optionally, to review the manuscript personally
2. To find external reviewers

If the associate editor reviews personally, they seek 1 additional external reviewer (total: 2 reviews). If they do not review, they seek 2 external reviewers (total: 2 reviews).

Peer review. Double-blind system. Reviewers have 30 days to submit their comments.

Editorial decision. Once the reviews have been received, the associate editor conveys the comments with their recommendation to the editors-in-chief. The final editorial decision (accept, reject, minor revision, major revision) is taken by the editors-in-chief, not the associate editor.

Response to reviewers. Authors must submit:

• A response letter with the changes made point by point, including the modified text marked in red for easy identification.
• A revised manuscript with all changes marked in red, so that reviewers can see the final result based on their comments.

Timelines

Phase	Timeframe
First decision from submission	30 days
Initial editorial review	1-2 weeks
Reviewer accepts/declines invitation	2 weeks maximum
Reviewer comments submission	30 days

Automatic reminder system for reviewers: D+7, D+14, D+21.

Associate editors have 48-72 hours to accept or decline an assignment. If an associate editor does not meet the deadlines, they will be replaced.

Writing quality

Writing quality is included as an evaluation criterion. A reviewer may return the manuscript without review if the writing quality is clearly insufficient.

Use of AI by reviewers

Reviewers are permitted to use AI tools to draft their own comments. Using AI to analyse the manuscript or uploading the manuscript (in whole or in part) to AI tools is not permitted.

Reviewer recognition

• Annual certificate of participation as a reviewer
• List of reviewers published in the last issue of each year
• Reviewers may register their activity on Publons

Reviewer conflict of interest

The reviewer must decline the invitation if they can identify the author or have any other conflict of interest.

Editorial transparency

RESED will publish editorial metrics (time to first decision, acceptance rate) and will maintain a visible last-updated date on all policies.