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.

FAST agrees that the Author will retain copyright.  The Author has the option to choose from Common Creatives’ several distribution/reuse options: 

• CC0: public domain 

• CC BY: allows distribution, remixing, adaption and build upon as long as attribution is given to creator; 

• CC BY-NC: allows distribution, remixing, adaptation and build upon as long as attribution is given to the creator and only noncommercial use of the work is permitted; 

• CC BY-ND: allows copying, distributing in unadapted form only and attribution must be given to the creator; 

• CC-BY-NC-ND: allows copying and distributing in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only and attribution must be given to the creator. 

• No reuse 

 This will provide the Author with the ability to determine how the article is available through a simple, standardized way for the Author to give permission to share their paper. The Author can determine the most appropriate license by using the Common Creatives’ Chooser.  

By posting on DART, the Author explicitly consents to text mining of their work (e.g., by search engines or researchers). 

If FAST determines an article contains plagiarized material, FAST reserves the right to remove the article, as determined and at its sole discretion.  In the event of removal, the Author will be notified.  If the Author disputes the decision, they may contact FAST in writing to request a review by submitting a request to FASTDart@cureangelman.org. 

If you believe your copyright has been violated, please notify us with your contact information, description of the infringement and a signed statement of ownership to FASTDart@cureangelman.org.