SorMRJ is the first and official peer-reviewed academic journal of SorSU. Published annually, this is a contrivance of the coming together of scholars and researchers from multi-disciplines. This journal features all original content of the full paper, research note, or policy brief based on completed research and extension projects. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission from the editorial board. The journal does not charge any publication fees.
Aim and Scope
The Sorsogon Multidisciplinary Research Journal (SorMRJ) is the first and official peer-reviewed academic journal of Sorsogon State University (SorSU). It publishes original research papers, research notes, and policy briefs from completed research and extension projects. SorMRJ welcomes submissions from researchers, faculty, and students of any institution, locally and internationally. All submissions — including those from SorSU-affiliated authors — undergo the same double-blind peer-review process with no preferential treatment. The journal promotes multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fields of Specialization
SorMRJ accepts scholarly work from the following fields and their related sub-disciplines:
- Natural and Applied Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Education
- Agriculture
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Information Technology and Systems
- Health Sciences
- Business and Management
- Public Policy and Governance
- Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
Interdisciplinary studies spanning two or more of these fields are especially encouraged.
Target Readership
SorMRJ is addressed to academic researchers, faculty, and students from Philippine and international institutions; policymakers and development planners at all levels; practitioners and community engagement specialists across diverse sectors; civil society organizations; and students engaged in scholarly research.
Publishing Schedule
Beginning with Volume 5 (2026), SorMRJ is published semi-annually, with two (2) issues per calendar year: Issue 1 (January–June), targeting a June release; and Issue 2 (July–December), targeting a December release. Article submission is open year-round. The exact release date of each issue may vary depending on the volume of submissions and completion of the peer-review process.
Turnaround Time: Four (4) to eight (8) months from submission to publication, depending on reviewer availability and timeliness of author revisions.
In cases of force majeure or institutional disruptions, the schedule may be adjusted. Any deviation will be communicated to affected authors and disclosed on the journal’s official platforms. Special issues may be released at the editorial board’s discretion and shall not replace either regular issue within the same calendar year.
Types of Manuscripts
SorMRJ publishes only original works not previously published and not under simultaneous consideration elsewhere. The following manuscript types are accepted:
- Full Research Paper — a comprehensive report of an original empirical, theoretical, or applied study, including introduction, review of literature, framework, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions.
- Research Note — a shorter contribution reporting preliminary findings, methodological innovations, or narrowly scoped observations, subject to the same standards of rigor.
- Policy Brief — a concise, evidence-based document presenting actionable recommendations for policymakers or practitioners, grounded in completed research or extension work.
Editorial Process
SorMRJ is dedicated to promoting knowledge through high-quality, multidisciplinary research. The journal is committed to editorial independence, diversity, and equity. Submissions from authors of different backgrounds and geographic locations are welcome. Upon submission, manuscripts are assigned to an editor for initial review of scope, completeness, and compliance with submission requirements. Manuscripts that pass the initial review are forwarded to at least two (2) independent peer reviewers. The reviewers’ assessments inform the associate editor’s recommendation, which is then forwarded to the Editor-in-Chief for final decision.
SorMRJ does not tolerate rude, offensive, or unprofessional behavior directed at its editors, reviewers, staff, or any person involved in the publication process. The editorial board reserves the right to take appropriate action, including withdrawal of a manuscript from consideration or rejection of offensive peer review comments.
Peer Review Process
SorMRJ employs a double-blind peer-review process in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are kept confidential throughout. Submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening for scope, originality, and compliance with submission requirements before being assigned to at least two (2) independent reviewers — one with subject-matter expertise and one with expertise in research methodology and statistics. Reviewers with any conflict of interest must decline the assignment immediately.
Criteria for Acceptance and Rejection
A manuscript is accepted when: (a) it is endorsed by at least two (2) peer reviewers; (b) it substantially complies with reviewer instructions; (c) it meets applicable ethical standards; and (d) it passes plagiarism detection with a similarity index of not more than fifteen percent (15%). Manuscripts exceeding this threshold are returned for revision or rejected.
Reviewer recommendations follow one of five decisions: Accept without revisions; Accept with minor revisions; Accept with major revisions; Reject with option to resubmit; or Reject. Where reviewers substantially disagree, the editorial board may solicit an additional review or invite author rebuttal. The editorial board’s decision is final.
Sponsor and Source of Support
SorMRJ is officially sponsored and funded by Sorsogon State University. For inquiries, please contact the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS):
- Contact Number: (056) 211 0178
- Email: pub_ords@sorsu.edu.ph