Peer Review Process

Manuscripts are evaluated based on the following core criteria:

Scientific Rigor

Experimental design must be appropriate to the research question. Statistical analyses must be correctly applied and transparently reported. Conclusions must be supported directly by the data.

Reproducibility

Methods must be described in sufficient detail to allow replication. Adequate sample sizes, validation experiments, and data transparency are required. For preclinical studies, inclusion of appropriate controls and replication cohorts is strongly encouraged.

Relevance to Angelman Syndrome and Related Translational Research

Submissions must demonstrate clear relevance to Angelman syndrome biology, therapeutic development, biomarker science, or translational neuroscience. Studies extending to related neurodevelopmental or genetic disorders are considered when they provide mechanistic or translational insight applicable to Angelman syndrome. Exceptions can be made at the de

Editorial decisions consider scientific quality, methodological integrity, and contribution to the field rather than perceived novelty alone.

FAST-DART is committed to efficient review while maintaining rigorous standards. Initial editorial assessment is typically completed within 7 to 10 business days.

External peer review decisions are generally communicated within 4 to 6 weeks of submission.

Revised manuscripts are evaluated promptly, typically within 2 to 4 weeks. These timelines may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity.

FAST-DART maintains a transparent and permanent scholarly record. Post-publication changes are handled according to established publication ethics standards.

Corrections

If errors are identified that affect the clarity or interpretation of a published article but do not invalidate the findings, a formal Correction will be published. Corrections are linked to the original article and indexed accordingly.

Retractions

A Retraction will be issued in cases of confirmed scientific misconduct, data fabrication or falsification, plagiarism, or fundamental errors that invalidate the conclusions. Retraction notices clearly state the reason and remain permanently linked to the original article.

Expression of Concern

When credible concerns arise regarding the integrity of a published article but an investigation is ongoing, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern. This notice informs readers while preserving due process.

FAST-DART reserves the right to contact authors’ institutions or funding agencies if serious misconduct is suspected. All post-publication actions are undertaken with the goal of maintaining trust in the scientific record.

Accessibility Statement

FAST-DART is committed to providing equitable access to scientific information for all users, including individuals with disabilities.

The journal website is designed to support accessibility standards consistent with widely recognized web accessibility guidelines. Efforts are made to ensure that text, figures, and digital content are readable, navigable, and compatible with assistive technologies. The journal continually evaluates its website and publishing platform to improve accessibility and usability for all readers.

FAST-DART welcomes feedback regarding accessibility and will make reasonable efforts to address barriers that limit access to published content.

Copyright

FAST-DART publishes both preprints and peer-reviewed articles. All articles posted and published by FAST-DART are made available under a No Copyright / CC0 Public Domain Dedication, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The author(s) who associate a work with FAST-DART dedicate the work to the public domain by waiving all copyright and related or neighboring rights worldwide, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. As a result, the work may be copied, modified, distributed, and performed, including for commercial purposes, without the need to seek permission.

This policy applies equally to manuscripts posted as preprints and to articles that have undergone peer review and are formally published by FAST-DART. Authors retain authorship and attribution, but do not retain exclusive copyright in FAST-DART–published content.

Other Information

In no way are the patent or trademark rights of any person affected by this dedication, nor are any rights that other persons may have in the work or in how the work is used, including publicity, privacy, or ethical rights.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, FAST-DART and the author(s) make no warranties regarding the work and disclaim liability for all uses of the work to the fullest extent permitted by law.

When using or citing FAST-DART content, the work must not be represented as endorsed by the author(s), FAST-DART, or the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics unless such endorsement is explicitly stated.