01
Editorial responsibility
Assess scope, validity, reporting and relevance; issue reasoned decisions; keep the record complete; and ensure that commercial considerations do not determine acceptance.
Editor resources
Editorial authority carries documented responsibility.
Editors protect scientific independence, reviewer confidentiality, procedural fairness and the integrity of the publication record.
02
Conflicts and recusal
Disclose relationships that may affect judgment, recuse when necessary and appoint an unconflicted editor with the required authority.
03
Reviewer selection
Select reviewers for relevant expertise, independence, diversity of perspective and availability; avoid coercive, reciprocal or inappropriate suggestions.
04
Decision integrity
Evaluate reports critically, resolve contradictions, distinguish scientific requirements from preference and communicate the basis of the decision.
Integrity escalation
Pause the routine workflow when trust is at issue.
- Preserve the manuscript, correspondence, reports and relevant version history.
- Separate an allegation from a finding and avoid making promises before the evidence is assessed.
- Limit access to people needed for the review and protect good-faith reporting as far as possible.
- Refer formal investigation to the appropriate institution or authority when necessary.
- Record the editorial action and connect any correction, concern or retraction to the article.