Core Responsibilities

Editors are expected to carry out the following core duties diligently:

• Oversee the peer review process and ensure fair, unbiased evaluation of manuscripts.
• Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts and author information at all times.
• Identify and manage conflicts of interest transparently.
• Promote diversity and equity in reviewer selection and editorial decisions.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards of human and animal research.
• Communicate clearly and constructively with authors and reviewers.
• Take decisive action in cases of suspected misconduct or ethical breaches.

Manuscript Handling

The editor’s role begins at manuscript submission and continues until the final editorial decision is made:

1. Initial Screening: Evaluate submissions for fit within the journal scope and compliance with basic requirements.
2. Reviewer Assignment: Select reviewers with appropriate expertise and avoid overburdening the same individuals.
3. Decision-Making: Weigh reviewer comments, scientific merit, and originality to arrive at a fair decision.
4. Feedback: Provide authors with constructive comments that guide improvement regardless of the decision.

Upholding Ethical Standards

Editors act as guardians of ethics in scholarly publishing:

• Ensure all submissions are checked for plagiarism and originality.
• Verify ethical approval and informed consent statements where applicable.
• Flag concerns regarding data integrity or undisclosed conflicts of interest.
• Collaborate with institutions to investigate allegations of misconduct when needed.

Accountability and Transparency

Editors must operate with accountability and ensure transparent processes:

• Communicate reasons for rejection clearly to authors.
• Respond to complaints or appeals fairly and in a timely manner.
• Document editorial decisions to provide an audit trail of actions taken.
• Work with the publisher to ensure policies remain current and effective.

Diversity and Global Representation

Editors should promote diverse representation in authorship, review, and editorial board composition:

• Seek reviewers across different regions and demographics.
• Encourage contributions from early-career researchers and underrepresented groups.
• Foster inclusivity by avoiding bias linked to nationality, institution, or funding source.

Continuous Improvement

Editors are encouraged to improve continuously through professional development:

• Attend editorial training workshops and seminars.
• Engage with publishing communities and international networks.
• Review and update personal knowledge of evolving ethical guidelines and publishing technologies.