Editorial Processes

Editorial Policies and Peer Review Process

Fungal Taxa: Systematics & Evolution is committed to the highest standards of editorial integrity and scholarly rigor. Our editorial workflow is transparent, fair, and efficient, ensuring that each submission is evaluated carefully by qualified experts in fungal taxonomy, systematics, and evolutionary biology.

Manuscript Submission

Submission Portal: All manuscripts must be submitted to connect.fungaltaxa@gmail.com

Initial Submission Format: To simplify submission, manuscripts do not need to follow a strict format at the initial stage. Authors may submit their work in the style most convenient to them. If revisions are required, formatting instructions will be provided.

Required Documents: A complete submission should include:

● Cover letter
● Main manuscript text (including figures, tables, and references)
● Declarations of authorship and conflict of interest

The Peer Review Process

The journal follows a single-blind peer review model. Authors’ identities are visible to reviewers, while reviewers remain anonymous to authors. This approach allows reviewers to provide informed, candid feedback while protecting their independence.

Initial Editorial Assessment: Each manuscript is screened by the Editorial Office to confirm fit with the journal’s scope, baseline scientific quality, and compliance with ethical standards (including plagiarism checks). Submissions failing these criteria may be returned without external review.

Assignment to Handling Editor: Suitable manuscripts are assigned to a Handling Editor with expertise in the relevant taxonomic group or methodology. The Handling Editor manages the review process.

Reviewer Selection: At least two independent reviewers are invited. Reviewers are chosen for their subject expertise, publication record, and absence of conflicts of interest.

Review and Recommendation: Reviewers evaluate novelty, accuracy, nomenclatural compliance, methodological soundness, and the strength of conclusions. Their reports and recommendations guide the Handling Editor’s assessment.

Editorial Decision: The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the Handling Editor, makes the final decision. Possible outcomes include:

● Acceptance (no changes required)
● Minor Revisions (accepted with minor corrections)
● Major Revisions (resubmission required following substantial changes)
● Rejection (not suitable for publication)

Author Revisions: Authors are normally given 30 days to revise and resubmit. A detailed point-by-point response to reviewer comments is required, along with a revised manuscript formatted according to journal style.

Nomenclatural Compliance

As a journal dedicated to taxonomy and systematics, Fungal Taxa: Systematics & Evolution requires strict adherence to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp).

● All newly described taxa must be validly published under the ICNafp.
● Authors are required to register new names and typifications in MycoBankprior to publication. The MycoBank number(s) must be included in the manuscript.
● For fungi, names should also be checked against Index Fungorum to avoid duplication or conflicts.
● Manuscripts that do not comply with nomenclatural standards will not proceed to publication until corrections are made.
This ensures that all taxonomic contributions published in the journal are recognized, traceable, and permanently integrated into global databases.

Timelines and Communication

The full editorial process usually takes 8–10 weeks from submission to first decision. Authors who have not received a decision within 60 days may contact the Editorial Office at connect.fungaltaxa@gmail.comfor updates.

Post-Acceptance and Publication

Proofing: After acceptance, authors receive page proofs of the formatted article. Proofs should be checked promptly for typographical or formatting errors. Major scientific changes are not permitted at this stage.

Publication: Finalized articles are published online at https://fungaltaxa.org on a rolling basis. All content is freely and immediately accessible worldwide under the journal’s Diamond Open Access policy.

Transparency in Review: With consent, the journal may disclose the names of the Handling Editor and reviewers alongside the published article, acknowledging their role in strengthening the work.

Policies on Publication Integrity

Conflicts of Interest: Manuscripts submitted by editors, board members, or affiliated researchers are handled independently by editors with no conflicts of interest.

Corrections and Retractions: The journal upholds the integrity of the scientific record. If major errors or ethical breaches are identified post-publication, the journal will issue a corrigendum, expression of concern, or retraction, as appropriate, in line with COPE guidelines.