Life Science Alliance LLC

All submissions are initially assessed by a dedicated scientific editor. All research manuscripts published in Life Science Alliance are subject to peer review. Life Science Alliance has 5 academic editors who, in addition to contributing to editorial decisions, are also involved in shaping editorial policy and scope.

Research manuscripts judged by the editors to be potentially suitable for publication in Life Science Alliance with realistic experimental revision are sent out for formal peer review. Manuscripts are typically reviewed by three appropriate independent experts. Authors may exclude a small number of experts if they are concerned of a conflict of interest or bias.

Referee Cross-commenting: Referees are routinely invited to comment on each other’s reports and may discuss issues under moderation of the editors. Referees are not informed of each other’s identities.

Based on the arguments and recommendations of the referees, the academic editors and the executive editor decide whether to offer publication or revision, or whether to reject the manuscript. This decision might involve further consultation with the referees, advisory experts and/or the authors. Revisions are invited only for manuscripts that have a high probability of acceptance after one major round of experimental revision.

Authors may appeal decisions if there is concrete evidence for a misunderstanding or mistake at the editorial or referee level. Appeals are evaluated in depth and without prejudice.

Transparent Process: To facilitate transparency, Life Science Alliance has no ‘Confidential Comments’ on the referee reporting forms. This is to ensure that the authors receive all information pertinent to the decision made on a manuscript. Referees are aware that all comments will be transmitted to the authors and the other referees. Should there be any issues with the manuscript, in particular, concerns about ethical standards, data integrity, biosecurity, or conflicts of an academic or commercial nature that need to be communicated directly and confidentially to the editor, this can be done by email.