International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Time 2026: Time to First Decision and Publication
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Quick answer
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) first decisions take roughly 3-5 weeks from submission. This reflects MDPI's fast editorial model with short reviewer deadlines. Impact factor is 4.9 (JCR 2024, the latest official data available in 2026), Q1 in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Online publication after acceptance: typically 1-2 weeks.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences is one of the largest MDPI journals, publishing across a broad range of molecular life sciences. MDPI's editorial model is built around speed: strict reviewer deadlines, fast production, and online publication within days of acceptance. Here's what the actual timeline looks like.
The timeline in numbers
Desk rejection decision: 1-2 weeks from submission. IJMS editors assess scope, basic methodology quality, and whether the paper meets minimum standards. Papers with serious methodological problems, out-of-scope topics, or inadequate English are desk rejected quickly.
First decision for peer-reviewed papers: 3-5 weeks from submission. Here's how it breaks down:
- Desk review: 1-2 weeks
- Reviewer recruitment: 3-5 days (MDPI targets fast recruitment)
- Active peer review: 10-15 days (MDPI asks reviewers to complete in 10 days)
- Editorial decision: 2-5 days
Papers that run longer: If a reviewer needs more time or a replacement reviewer must be found, first decisions can reach 6-8 weeks. That's still fast by most journal standards.
Post-acceptance to online publication: 1-2 weeks. MDPI has automated much of its production process. Most accepted papers receive a PDF proof within a week and appear online within 2 weeks of acceptance.
How MDPI's editorial model affects timing
MDPI runs a high-volume, fast-turnaround editorial operation. A few structural features that directly affect your timeline:
Short reviewer deadlines. MDPI asks reviewers to complete reviews in 10 days, compared to 14-21 days at most traditional journals. This compresses the peer review phase. Some reviewers need extensions, which adds time, but the initial deadline is aggressive and most reviewers honor it.
Academic editors, not in-house staff. IJMS uses external academic editors (Editorial Board members) who manage the peer review process for papers in their area. Assignment happens quickly -- usually within 2-4 days. The editor invites reviewers and makes the final recommendation.
High submission volume. IJMS receives a very large number of submissions. Desk review is fast partly because editors are processing many papers and cannot spend extended time on papers with obvious problems.
Transparency in the process. MDPI journals, including IJMS, have the option of open review (reviewer names visible after acceptance). This doesn't affect timing directly, but it's part of the editorial model that shapes how reviewers engage.
What the status labels mean
IJMS uses MDPI's submission system. The key statuses:
Submitted -- Received and undergoing initial checks (format, completeness, English quality).
Pending Review or Under Review -- Assigned to an editor; desk review is happening or paper is with reviewers.
Reviewer Invited -- Editor is actively recruiting reviewers.
Under Review (Peer Review) -- Reviewers have accepted the invitation and are actively reviewing.
Revisions Required / Major Revision / Minor Revision -- First decision delivered. You have time to respond.
Accepted -- Final acceptance. Production begins.
If your paper has been Under Review for more than 5 weeks, a status inquiry to the MDPI editorial team is appropriate.
What slows review at IJMS
Reviewer recruitment in niche subdisciplines. IJMS covers a wide range of molecular sciences topics. For highly specialized research -- specific receptor classes, unusual model organisms, narrow computational approaches -- finding qualified reviewers takes longer. The 10-day deadline is useful only once reviewers are on board.
Reviewer dropouts. Even with short deadlines, reviewers sometimes don't complete their reports and a replacement must be found. Each dropout adds 1-2 weeks.
Major revision turnaround. If you receive a major revision, you typically have 2-4 weeks to respond (MDPI timelines are tighter than traditional journals on revisions). After resubmission, the paper goes back to reviewers for 7-10 days. The whole revision cycle at IJMS can be complete in 4-6 weeks.
Typical reviewer comments at IJMS
IJMS reviewers assess scientific soundness rather than top-tier novelty. Common revision requests:
Additional statistical analysis. Sample size reporting, appropriate statistical tests, and significance thresholds. Papers with limited statistical reporting almost always receive this comment.
Improved methods description. IJMS papers are expected to have methods sufficient for replication. Vague reagent descriptions, missing antibody catalog numbers, or incomplete protocol details trigger revision requests.
Additional controls. Negative controls, loading controls on blots, vehicle-treated controls in cell or animal experiments. These are standard requests.
Discussion of limitations. IJMS reviewers often ask authors to add a limitations section if one is absent or cursory.
English language improvement. For papers where English quality is substandard, IJMS frequently requests revision. Having a native speaker or professional proofreader review the manuscript before submission prevents this.
How IJMS compares to similar journals
Journal | IF (JCR 2024) | Time to first decision | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
IJMS | 4.9 | 3-5 weeks | MDPI |
PLOS ONE | 2.9 | 5-8 weeks | PLOS |
Scientific Reports | 3.9 | 4-7 weeks | Springer Nature |
Cells | 5.1 | 3-5 weeks | MDPI |
Biomolecules | 4.8 | 3-5 weeks | MDPI |
IJMS is among the fastest-turnaround journals in the Q1 tier. That speed is a genuine advantage for authors who need timely publication for thesis deadlines, grant reports, or follow-up work that depends on a paper being accessible.
When IJMS is the right choice
IJMS works well for:
Technically solid molecular biology without top-tier novelty. Papers that are methodologically rigorous but represent an incremental advance are competitive here. The journal doesn't require the broad significance claims needed at PNAS or Nature Communications.
Speed as a primary requirement. A 3-5 week turnaround is genuinely fast. If you need a decision quickly, IJMS delivers.
Open access compliance. IJMS is fully open access. For authors whose funders require OA publication, it's a straightforward option. The APC is substantial (check the current MDPI pricing, which changes periodically), but many institutions have agreements with MDPI.
Broad molecular sciences scope. IJMS covers genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, and computational molecular science. Papers that span multiple areas fit the journal's breadth.
When to consider alternatives
If journal prestige matters significantly for your career evaluation. IJMS's Q1 ranking and IF of 4.9 are solid, but some institutions and committees view MDPI journals skeptically because of their high-volume model. Know your evaluation context.
If APC budget is limited. MDPI APCs are not cheap. If budget is constrained, journals like PLOS ONE or eLife (IF 6.4, JCR 2024) may be better options -- PLOS ONE is cheaper and eLife charges only on acceptance.
If the topic is very competitive and you want specialist readership. Specialized journals in your specific subfield (e.g., JBC for biochemistry, RNA for RNA biology, Nucleic Acids Research for nucleic acid science) reach a more targeted audience and carry stronger field-specific signaling.
The Bottom Line
IJMS delivers first decisions in 3-5 weeks, which is among the fastest timelines for a Q1 journal with a meaningful IF. The trade-off is a less selective acceptance process and a publishing model that draws scrutiny in some academic contexts. For researchers who need fast, indexed, open-access publication of sound molecular science, IJMS is a practical and legitimate choice.
Sources
- MDPI IJMS author guidelines and editorial policies
- JCR 2024 (Clarivate Journal Citation Reports) -- impact factor data
- Author experience reports from SciRev
See also
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