Ethical Guidelines for Editors
Scope of application
These ethical guidelines apply universally to all members of the Editorial Board, including the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members of the Journal of Clinical Medical Research (JCMR). Upholding these ethical standards is essential for cultivating a scholarly publishing environment that is both trustworthy and reputable.
General ethical principles
Integrity and objectivity
Impartiality: Editorial Board Members must ensure impartiality and objectivity in their editorial decisions, avoiding personal, financial, or any other conflicts of interest that may compromise the integrity of the review process.
Confidentiality: All submitted manuscripts and editorial discussions must be treated as confidential, with Editorial Board Members refraining from disclosing information to anyone outside the editorial process to maintain the confidentiality and trustworthiness of the review process.
Professional conduct
Professionalism: Editorial Board Members are expected to uphold the highest level of professionalism, treating authors, reviewers, and colleagues with respect and dignity, and refraining from any form of harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional behavior.
Disclosure of conflicts: Members of the Editorial Board must promptly disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise, ensuring transparency in the editorial process and maintaining the trust of authors, reviewers, and readers.
Manuscript handling
Peer review
Fair and constructive review: Editorial Board Members are entrusted with conducting fair, unbiased, and constructive peer reviews, focusing on the quality and validity of the research while providing authors with guidance for improvement to enhance the quality of published research.
Timeliness: Completing the peer review process in a timely manner is essential to maintain the efficiency of the editorial process and ensure that authors receive feedback promptly to expedite the publication process.
Authorship and contributorship
Authorship criteria: Adherence to recognized authorship criteria is vital to ensure that individuals who have significantly contributed to the research are appropriately listed as authors, maintaining transparency and fairness in authorship attribution.
Conflict resolution: Editorial Board Members are responsible for actively working towards fair and amicable resolutions in cases of authorship disputes or conflicts, involving relevant parties and seeking guidance when necessary to resolve conflicts ethically and efficiently.
Ethical oversight
Research ethics
Human and animal subjects: Editorial Board Members must ensure that research involving human or animal subjects adheres to ethical standards, with authors providing evidence of ethical approval to safeguard the welfare of research participants.
Plagiarism and misconduct: Vigilance in identifying and addressing plagiarism, data fabrication, and other forms of research misconduct is crucial to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record. Allegations of misconduct should be reported promptly for thorough investigation.
Conflicts of interest
Disclosure and management: Editorial Board Members should disclose conflicts of interest related to submitted manuscripts and recuse themselves when necessary to maintain the objectivity and integrity of the review process, with disclosures made to the Editor-in-Chief for alternative reviewer assignment.
Reviewer-editorial board member conflicts: If an Editorial Board Member is assigned as a reviewer, disclosure of any conflict of interest to the Editor-in-Chief is mandatory, leading to the assignment of an alternative reviewer to ensure fairness and impartiality in the review process.
Editorial decision-making
Fairness and transparency
Consistency: Editorial decisions should be consistent, fair, and based solely on the merit of the research, without bias or undue influence, to maintain the credibility and integrity of the peer review process.
Communication: Editorial Board Members are obligated to communicate decisions clearly, providing authors with constructive feedback and outlining any significant concerns or recommended revisions to ensure transparency and fairness in the editorial process.
Appeals and complaints
Grievance handling: Editorial Board Members play a crucial role in the fair and impartial resolution of author or reviewer grievances, with any appeals or complaints brought to the attention of the Editor-in-Chief for resolution in accordance with established procedures.
Confidentiality: The confidentiality of all information related to appeals or complaints is paramount to protect the privacy and integrity of the parties involved, maintaining trust and confidence in the editorial process.
Continuous professional development
Stay informed
Emerging standards: Editorial Board Members are encouraged to stay informed about emerging ethical standards, guidelines, and best practices in scholarly publishing to remain effective contributors to the integrity of the scholarly publishing process.
Training opportunities: JCMR may provide training opportunities or resources to support Editorial Board Members in staying abreast of evolving ethical standards, and their participation is actively encouraged for continuous professional development and enhancement of ethical excellence.
Continuous improvement
Recognizing the dynamic nature of scholarly publishing, JCMR is committed to regularly reviewing and updating these Ethical Guidelines to align with evolving standards and best practices. This commitment to continuous improvement underscores JCMR’s dedication to maintaining its position as a reputable and ethical journal.
Commitment to ethical excellence
Adherence to these Ethical Guidelines is paramount for maintaining the reputation, credibility, and ethical standing of the Journal of Clinical Medical Research. Editorial Board Members play a pivotal role in upholding these principles, actively contributing to the integrity of the scholarly publishing process and fostering a culture of ethical excellence.
