Privacy Policy – Manuscript Submission System

Last updated: February 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data are processed in connection with the manuscript submission and editorial handling of the journals Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry and NeuroSignals.

1. Controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is:

CPBPress GmbH & Co. KG
Rose-Ausländer-Straße 6
40476 Düsseldorf
Germany
Email: info@cpbpress.com

2. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies exclusively to the online manuscript submission system available via:

https://cellphysiolbiochem.com/submit/

It does not cover other areas of the website unless explicitly stated.

3. Categories of Personal Data Processed

In the course of manuscript submission and editorial processing, we may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

• Name of the corresponding author
• Email address of the corresponding author
• Institutional affiliation
• Manuscript files and supplementary files submitted by the authors
• Any personal data contained within the submitted manuscript files
• Technical data required for system operation (e.g. IP address, date and time of submission, server log files)

4. Purpose of Processing

Personal data are processed solely for the following purposes:

• Handling and administration of manuscript submissions
• Communication with authors during peer review and editorial decision-making
• Organization and documentation of the peer review process
• Production, publication, and archiving of accepted articles
• Fulfilment of legal, academic, and contractual obligations related to scholarly publishing

5. Legal Basis for Processing

The processing of personal data is based on the following legal grounds under Article 6 GDPR:

• Article 6(1)(b) GDPR – processing necessary for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures related to manuscript submission and publication
• Article 6(1)(a) GDPR – consent given by the submitting author via the submission form
• Article 6(1)(f) GDPR – legitimate interests in maintaining the integrity, security, and documentation of the editorial process

6. Recipients of Personal Data

Personal data may be accessed by:

• Members of the editorial office
• Editors and reviewers involved in the evaluation of the manuscript (typically in anonymized or pseudonymized form, depending on the review model)
• Technical service providers responsible for hosting and maintaining the submission system

Personal data are not transferred to third parties for commercial or marketing purposes.

7. Data Storage and Retention

Personal data are stored only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined above.

• Submission data may be retained for the duration of the editorial and peer review process
• For accepted manuscripts, relevant data may be archived as part of the scientific record
• Data may be retained beyond publication where required by legal, academic, or documentation obligations

8. Data Security

Appropriate technical and organizational measures are implemented to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, alteration, or disclosure. Uploaded files are stored in protected directories and are accessible only to authorized editorial staff via secure mechanisms.

9. Rights of Data Subjects

Data subjects have the following rights under the GDPR:

• Right of access to their personal data (Article 15 GDPR)
• Right to rectification of inaccurate or incomplete data (Article 16 GDPR)
• Right to erasure of personal data where legally permissible (Article 17 GDPR)
• Right to restriction of processing (Article 18 GDPR)
• Right to data portability (Article 20 GDPR)
• Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests (Article 21 GDPR)

10. Withdrawal of Consent

Where processing is based on consent, data subjects may withdraw their consent at any time with effect for the future. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out prior to the withdrawal.

11. Peer Review and Confidentiality

Manuscripts submitted to our journals undergo a scholarly peer review process. Depending on the review model applied by the journal, personal data (such as author names or affiliations) may be disclosed to editors and reviewers or processed in anonymized or pseudonymized form.

All editors and reviewers are bound by strict confidentiality obligations. Submitted manuscripts and associated personal data must not be used for any purpose other than evaluation of the manuscript and must not be shared with unauthorized third parties.

12. International Data Transfers

The editorial handling of manuscripts may involve editors or reviewers located outside the European Union or the European Economic Area. In such cases, personal data are shared only to the extent necessary for the peer review and editorial process and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

13. Server Logs and Technical Data

When accessing the submission system, technical information may be processed automatically by the web server, including IP address, date and time of access, browser type, and operating system. These data are processed solely for technical operation, security, and troubleshooting purposes and are not used to identify individual users.

14. Cookies and Tracking

The manuscript submission system does not use tracking cookies, analytics tools, or advertising technologies. Only technically necessary session cookies may be used to ensure the secure operation of the submission system.

15. Right to Lodge a Complaint

Data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if they believe that the processing of their personal data violates applicable data protection laws.

16. Contact

For questions regarding data protection or this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH & Co. KG
Email: editorial@cellphysiolbiochem.com