Focus and Scope
The Stem Cell Investigation (SCI; ISSN 2306-9759) is a free access, peer-reviewed online journal covering basic, translational, and clinical research on all aspects of stem cells. It publishes original research articles and reviews on embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, adult tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells, cancer stem like cells, stem cell niche, stem cell technology, stem cell based drug discovery, and regenerative medicine.
Peer Review Process
Each submitted manuscript is evaluated for compliance with the following criteria:
• the potential interest of this topic to our readers
• strong evidence for the conclusions that are drawn
• novelty and originality
• broad biological or clinical significance
• contribution to the knowledge of a specific filed
A decision is made usually within six weeks of the receipt of the manuscript.
The Editor-in-Chief will advise authors whether a manuscript is accepted, should be revised or is rejected. Minor revisions are expected to be returned within four weeks of decision; major revisions within three months. Manuscripts not revised within these time periods are subject to withdrawal from consideration for publication unless the authors can provide extenuating circumstances.
A number of manuscripts will have to be rejected on the grounds of priority and available space. A manuscript may be returned to the authors without outside review if the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editor find it inappropriate for publication in the Journal. Similarly, the Editors may expedite the review process for manuscripts felt to be of high priority in order to reach a rapid decision. Such ‘fast-track decisions’ will normally occur within one week of receipt of the manuscript.
Authors may recommend preferred reviewers by providing the Editor-in-Chief with the names, addresses and email addresses of up to three suitably qualified individuals of international standing but the Editor-in-Chief will not be bound by any such nomination. Likewise, authors may advise of any individual who for any reason, such as potential conflict of interest, might be inappropriate to act as a referee, again without binding the Editor-in-Chief.
The Editor-in-Chief’s decision is final. If, however, authors dispute a decision and can document good reasons why a manuscript should be reconsidered, a rebuttal process exists. Authors should write to the Editorial office.
All journals manuscripts should be written in a clear, concise, direct style, intelligible to the professional reader who is not necessarily a specialist in the particular field. Where contributions are judged as acceptable for publication, the Editor and the Publisher reserve the right to modify manuscripts to eliminate ambiguity and repetition and improve communication between author and reader. If extensive alterations are required, the manuscript will be returned to the author for revision.