Editor Guidelines
Editors are instrumental in the entire chain of publishing processes, contributing to the integrity and high quality of research that could be published. All papers submitted—regardless of author affiliation or institutional origin—must be objectively appraised by the editors. Editors must maintain the confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts and the peer-review process. Timely handling and decision-making of manuscripts should be prioritized to improve the publication process.
Choosing suitable and impartial reviewers with relevant expertise is essential to ensuring that a manuscript undergoes a thorough and insightful peer review. Editors need to balance the reviewer's expertise with potential conflicts of interest and availability when selecting appropriate individuals. Clear and concise instructions on objectivity, constructive criticism, and timely submission of reviews are essential for reviewers. Active oversight of the peer review process by editors guarantees prompt completion of reviews and addresses issues of delays or logjams.
Editors must make editorial decisions impartially, based on a complete assessment of the quality of the research, peer-review evaluations, and the journal's standards for its scope. This includes weighing factors such as the novelty and impact of the study, methodological rigor, clarity of results, and credibility of sources. Authors expect prompt but professional communication regarding editorial decisions to ensure a positive and productive experience. Editors should provide authors with clear and concise explanations of their decisions where necessary.
In addition, editors are responsible for maintaining the journal's reputation and upholding ethical publishing practices, including:
- Prevention and management of plagiarism and other forms of research misconduct
- Ensuring the accuracy and credibility of published data
- Supporting open science practices, such as data sharing and open access
- Staying informed about developments in research and publication ethics
- Continuously improving the journal's editorial processes and standards
Adherence to editorial guidelines and practices benefits the scientific community and contributes to the dissemination of high-quality research.
This overview of editorial responsibilities covers key aspects such as:
- Reviewer selection criteria: Careful consideration of reviewers' expertise and potential conflicts of interest.
- Ethical considerations: Editors are responsible for preventing and addressing research misconduct while promoting open science practices.
- Commitment to improvement: Editors should strive for continuous enhancement of the journal's editorial processes and standards.