Editorial Responsibilities

1. Editorial Accountability

Editors are responsible for the overall quality, integrity, and scholarly value of the content published within their proceedings or assigned editorial scope.

• Ensure fair, objective, and timely editorial decisions
• Maintain academic standards and publication quality
• Act in the best interest of the scholarly community
• Uphold transparency and accountability in editorial processes

2. Decision-Making and Independence

Editorial decisions must be made independently, based on the scholarly merit, originality, and relevance of submissions.

• Evaluate manuscripts without discrimination
• Base decisions on academic quality and reviewer input
• Avoid influence from commercial, institutional, or personal interests
• Ensure consistency in editorial judgment

Editors should not allow external pressures to influence editorial decisions.

3. Peer Review Oversight

Editors are responsible for managing and overseeing the peer review process in a fair, unbiased, and confidential manner.

• Select qualified and appropriate reviewers
• Ensure reviewers have relevant subject expertise
• Monitor timeliness and quality of reviews
• Assess reviewer comments objectively
• Ensure confidentiality of the review process

Editors should ensure that peer review is conducted in accordance with established ethical and academic standards.

4. Fairness and Impartiality

Manuscripts must be evaluated solely on academic merit, without regard to authors’ nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, or personal background.

• Apply consistent evaluation criteria
• Avoid bias or preferential treatment
• Support inclusive and equitable editorial practices

5. Confidentiality

Editors must maintain strict confidentiality throughout the submission and peer review process.

• Do not disclose manuscript details to unauthorized parties
• Protect reviewer identities where applicable
• Use submitted content only for editorial evaluation

Confidentiality must be preserved before, during, and after the review process.

6. Conflicts of Interest

Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest that could affect their impartiality and must recuse themselves where appropriate.

• Avoid handling manuscripts where personal or professional conflicts exist
• Declare any relevant relationships or competing interests
• Delegate editorial responsibility when necessary

For further information, refer to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

7. Ethical Oversight

Editors are responsible for ensuring that published research complies with ethical standards and recognized publishing guidelines.

• Identify potential ethical issues in submissions
• Verify presence of ethics approvals where required
• Ensure compliance with publication ethics policies
• Refer serious concerns for further investigation

8. Handling Misconduct

Editors must respond appropriately to allegations of misconduct, including plagiarism, data manipulation, duplicate publication, or unethical research practices.

• Review concerns objectively and confidentially
• Request clarification or supporting evidence
• Consult editorial board or ethics team where necessary
• Follow established procedures for investigation and resolution

Actions should align with recognized guidance such as COPE recommendations.

For further information, refer to the Handling Misconduct Policy.

9. Transparency in Editorial Process

Editors should ensure that editorial processes are transparent and clearly communicated.

• Provide clear instructions to authors and reviewers
• Communicate decisions with appropriate justification
• Maintain consistency in editorial procedures

10. Timeliness and Efficiency

Editors should manage submissions efficiently to ensure timely peer review and publication.

• Monitor progress of manuscripts
• Follow up with reviewers when necessary
• Avoid unnecessary delays in decision-making

11. Communication with Authors

Editors should communicate professionally and respectfully with authors throughout the process.

• Provide constructive feedback
• Clearly explain editorial decisions
• Handle appeals or queries fairly

12. Post-Publication Responsibilities

Editors remain responsible for addressing issues that arise after publication.

• Support corrections, retractions, or clarifications where necessary
• Respond to post-publication concerns
• Maintain integrity of the scholarly record

For formal processes, refer to the Corrections & Retractions Policy.