PEER REVIEW PROCESS:

All manuscripts submitted to the Ukrainian Chemistry Journal are subject to mandatory independent peer review. The journal employs a double-blind peer review procedure, meaning that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain mutually anonymous throughout the entire review process.

The peer review process typically takes up to 3 weeks from the moment the manuscript is sent to reviewers. The overall manuscript handling time — from initial assessment to final decision — may range from 1 to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the material and the responsiveness of authors and reviewers. The Editorial Board makes every effort to adhere to these timelines; however, in certain cases — such as when additional reviewers need to be consulted or substantial revision is required — the process may take longer.

Initial Assessment

Upon receipt, all manuscripts undergo a preliminary evaluation by members of the Editorial Board with respect to:

• compliance with the aims, scope, and scientific profile of the journal;
• scientific merit and originality of the research;
• adherence to the manuscript formatting requirements;
• compliance with ethical standards of scientific publication.

The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject a manuscript without sending it for peer review in cases of:

• non-compliance with the journal's scope and aims;
• failure to meet formatting requirements;
• detected signs of plagiarism or violation of publication ethics;
• lack of scientific novelty or practical significance.

The Editorial Board evaluates manuscripts solely on the basis of their scientific content and merit, regardless of the author's age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religious or political views, origin, or citizenship.

Review Procedure

If the manuscript passes the initial assessment, it is sent to at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field.

• Editors may take into account authors' suggestions regarding potential reviewers, but are not obliged to follow them.
• Authors may indicate reviewers they wish to exclude; however, the final decision regarding the selection of reviewers rests with the Editorial Board.

In cases of significant disagreement between reviewers, the editor may invite an additional expert. The final decision is made by the Editor.

Editorial Decision.

Based on the reviewers' recommendations, the Editorial Board will make one of the following decisions:

• accept the manuscript for publication without revisions;
• accept after minor revisions;
• request major revisions with subsequent re-review;
• reject with the possibility of resubmission after substantial revision;
• reject without the possibility of further consideration.

Authors will receive the reviewers' comments without disclosure of the reviewers' identities, and are required to provide a detailed and reasoned response to all remarks.

Ethical Principles of Peer Review.

Reviewers are required to provide objective, well-reasoned, and constructive feedback on manuscripts. Comments must not contain personal remarks or offensive language directed at the authors. Manuscripts received for review are confidential documents and must not be used for personal purposes. Upon completion of the review, all manuscript materials must be destroyed or deleted.

Conflict of Interest.

Reviewers and members of the Editorial Board are required to disclose any conflict of interest. Individuals with a potential conflict of interest must not participate in the review or decision-making process regarding the relevant manuscript. Members of the Editorial Board do not participate in the handling of their own submitted works.

Review Quality.

Reviewers who systematically fail to meet deadlines and/or provide low-quality, unconstructive, or unethical reviews may be removed from the journal's reviewer database.

Authors' Rights.

• Authors may not veto the content of reviews, except in cases of violation of ethical standards.
• Authors have the right to submit a reasoned response to the reviewers' comments.

Publishing timeline:

Stage	Time
Initial editorial review	up to 1 week
Peer review	2–3 weeks
Editorial decision after review	up to 1 week
Submission to acceptance	up to 8weeks
Acceptance to publication	up to 4 weeks
Submission to publication	up to 3 months

Acceptance rate:

The Ukrainian Chemistry Journal maintains high scientific standards through a rigorous double-blind peer review process conducted by at least two independent experts. The Editorial Board accepts only manuscripts that meet the journal's scientific and formatting requirements.