Editorial Policies

TUMI Health Sciences Research

Focus and Scope

TUMI Health Sciences Research is a multidisciplinary, open access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to promoting excellence in health sciences research. We publish high-quality contributions in medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, psychology, and health education. The journal accepts original research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, methodological and technical reports, case reports, and letters to the editor.
Editorial decisions are based exclusively on scientific merit, methodological rigor, and adherence to ethical principles, regardless of perceived novelty or media appeal.

Peer Review Process

At TUMI Health Sciences Research, peer review is a cornerstone of our commitment to scientific integrity and quality. All manuscripts undergo a double-blind peer review process, in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to ensure objectivity. Each submission is subject to an initial editorial assessment to verify relevance to the journal’s scope, minimum quality standards, and compliance with author guidelines. Manuscripts that pass this stage are assigned to independent external reviewers, selected for their subject expertise and absence of conflicts of interest. Reviewers provide detailed recommendations regarding acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection, based on originality, scientific relevance, methodological rigor, validity of results, and clarity of writing. Final decisions rest with the handling editor, who integrates reviewers’ reports with the journal’s editorial standards. The process adheres to the international guidelines of COPE, ICMJE, and WAME, and is designed to be completed within eight weeks.

The detailed workflow of the peer review process is available in the dedicated Peer Review section of this website.

Publication Frequency

TUMI Health Sciences Research is published on a quarterly basis (four issues per year). Supplementary issues may be considered at the discretion of the Editorial Board.

Open Access Policy

All articles are made freely and immediately available online upon publication, without subscription or registration barriers. TUMI Health Sciences Research strongly supports open access as a means to accelerate scientific discovery and foster equity in research participation.

Archiving and Digital Preservation

Long-term preservation of articles is ensured through the PKP Preservation Network (PKP PN) integrated into the OJS platform.

Acceptance Criteria

Manuscripts are evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Originality and scientific relevance.

  • Methodological rigor and reproducibility.

  • Clarity of writing and robustness of conclusions.

  • Ethical compliance and appropriate institutional approval.

Manuscript Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal of manuscripts is strongly discouraged once the peer review process has begun.

  • Before review: Authors may withdraw their submission within 2 days of submission.

  • During review: Withdrawal requires a written justification and editorial approval.

  • After acceptance: Only permitted in exceptional circumstances (scientific errors or ethical concerns). Editorial charges may apply.

Language, Scientific Writing, and Figures

The journal accepts manuscripts exclusively in English. A high standard of scientific writing is required, including clarity, coherence, and proper terminology. Figures must meet publication quality standards. Authors may be asked to improve language or figures before final acceptance.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools must be transparently disclosed in the manuscript (Methods or Acknowledgments section). AI cannot be listed as an author. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the content. Misuse or nondisclosure of AI will be addressed according to COPE guidelines.

Integrity Policies

The journal enforces a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, including plagiarism, redundant publication, data fabrication or falsification, image manipulation, and selective reporting. All manuscripts are screened with similarity-detection software and image integrity tools. Authors must retain original data and provide it if requested by the editor.

Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

TUMI Health Sciences Research follows the recommendations of COPE, ICMJE, and WAME.

  • Editors: Evaluate manuscripts impartially and maintain confidentiality.

  • Reviewers: Provide objective and constructive assessments, respect confidentiality, and declare conflicts of interest.

  • Authors: Ensure originality, legitimate authorship, accurate reporting, and disclosure of conflicts of interest.

Conflicts of Interest

All authors must disclose financial and non-financial conflicts of interest using the ICMJE disclosure form. Editors and reviewers must also declare potential conflicts before participating in the editorial process.

Research Involving Humans or Animals

  • Human studies: Must have prior approval from an ethics committee and comply with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent must be obtained and documented.

  • Animal studies: Must comply with international standards for animal welfare, including the ARRIVE guidelines and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Informed Consent

Authors must ensure participants’ privacy rights are respected. Publication of identifiable data (text, images, photographs) requires written informed consent.

Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

  • Corrections: Published in cases of unintentional errors.

  • Retractions: Issued in cases of confirmed misconduct (plagiarism, falsification, ethical breaches).

  • Expressions of concern: Published to alert the scientific community when doubts arise regarding a published work.
    All corrective actions follow COPE guidelines.

Preprint Policy

TUMI Health Sciences Research does not accept manuscripts previously deposited in preprint servers or other non-peer-reviewed platforms.

Data and Reproducibility Policy

Authors must provide a formal data availability statement, including datasets, code, or protocols used in their research. Data should preferably be deposited in open repositories or made available upon reasonable request.

Reviewer Recognition

The journal will publish an annual list of reviewers as acknowledgment of their academic contribution, without linking names to specific manuscripts. In addition, reviewers are encouraged to link their activity to platforms such as Publons or Reviewer Credits.

Average Decision Times

Statistics on editorial decision times (from submission to first decision, and from acceptance to final publication) are reported transparently in the Instructions for Authors section.

Policy Against Paper Mills

The journal maintains a strict stance against so-called paper mills or fabricated articles. Suspected manuscripts will undergo additional scrutiny, and confirmed fraudulent submissions will be rejected or retracted in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Invited Articles and Editorials

Editorials, invited commentaries, and commissioned articles are not subject to external peer review but are assessed and approved by the Editorial Board to ensure quality, relevance, and alignment with the journal’s editorial standards.

Revised: July 2025