The SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology is committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific excellence, integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in scholarly publication. Our editorial policies ensure a fair, unbiased, and rigorous evaluation of all submissions while promoting the advancement of reliable and impactful immunological research. These policies apply equally to authors, reviewers, and editorial board members.

1. Guiding Principles

The journal follows globally recognized publishing standards and ethical frameworks, inspired by best practices similar to those established by:

• COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics)
• ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors)
• WAME (World Association of Medical Editors)
• International ethical norms for animal and human research

The editorial office ensures that every submitted manuscript receives a fair, transparent, and scientifically sound evaluation.

2. Editorial Independence

The editorial process at SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology is free from:

• Commercial influence
• Institutional pressure
• Financial bias
• Political or personal interference

The Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board maintain complete autonomy in decision-making, ensuring that every manuscript is judged solely on its scientific merit, originality, methodological rigor, and contribution to the field.

3. Manuscript Assessment Framework

3.1. Initial Screening

All submissions undergo administrative and technical checks for:

• Formatting compliance
• Completeness of documents
• Plagiarism and originality
• Ethical approvals
• Relevance to journal scope

Only manuscripts that meet basic criteria proceed to scholarly evaluation.

3.2. Scientific Pre-Evaluation

The assigned Handling Editor assesses:

• Novelty and significance
• Methodological quality
• Clarity and organization
• Fit within the journal’s aims and scope

Manuscripts that do not meet foundational scholarly standards may be desk rejected.

4. Peer Review Policy

The SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology follows a double-blind peer review system.
This ensures:

• Reviewer anonymity
• Author anonymity
• Unbiased scientific judgment

At least two independent reviewers evaluate each manuscript. Editor decisions are based on reviewer feedback, scientific validity, and the manuscript’s overall contribution to the field.

5. Editorial Decision Categories

Possible outcomes include:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject with Resubmission Option
• Reject

All decisions are accompanied by clear, constructive feedback.

6. Handling Conflicts of Interest

Editorial board members must disclose any potential conflicts such as:

• Personal relationships with authors
• Financial interests
• Collaborative history
• Competitive research interests

Editors with conflicts of interest are recused from handling the manuscript, and an alternative editor is assigned.

7. Ethical Compliance Requirements

7.1. Human Studies

Manuscripts must include:

• Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval
• Informed consent statements
• Protection of participant confidentiality

7.2. Animal Studies

Authors must provide:

• Ethical committee approval
• Compliance with animal welfare guidelines
• Humane treatment documentation

7.3. Data Integrity

Authors must ensure:

• Accuracy and reproducibility
• Transparent methodology
• Availability of raw data upon request

Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data results in immediate rejection and investigation.

8. Plagiarism & Originality Policy

All manuscripts are screened using plagiarism detection tools.
The journal allows:

• 0% tolerance for copied text without citation
• Proper quotation and referencing where necessary

Submissions showing significant similarity, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication are rejected.

9. Authorship Policy

Authorship must reflect genuine scientific contribution, including:

• Study conceptualization
• Data acquisition or analysis
• Manuscript drafting or revision

Guest, gift, or honorary authorship is prohibited.

Authors must declare:

• Contributions of each author
• Funding sources
• Conflicts of interest
• Research ethics approvals

10. Editorial Transparency & Communication

The journal commits to:

• Providing timely updates to authors
• Ensuring clear communication regarding reviewer and editor feedback
• Maintaining fairness in all editorial decisions
• Offering opportunities for appeal or reconsideration

Editorial communication remains confidential and professional at all times.

11. Handling Appeals & Complaints

Authors may request reconsideration if:

• Editorial decisions appear to involve factual errors
• Reviewer comments exhibit clear inaccuracies
• Conflicts of interest are suspected

Appeals are reviewed by a senior editorial authority not involved in the original decision.

12. Corrections, Retractions, & Withdrawals

12.1. Corrections

Published articles requiring minor amendments (typographical errors, author name adjustments) will be corrected promptly.

12.2. Retractions

Articles may be retracted for:

• Ethical misconduct
• Plagiarism
• Data manipulation
• Major methodological errors

12.3. Withdrawal

Authors may request withdrawal before acceptance. Post-acceptance withdrawals require justification and editorial approval.

13. Transparency in Publishing Fees

SCICONX Publishing is an open-access, non-funded organization.
Editorial decisions remain independent of:

• APC payment
• Financial status of authors

Waivers or discounts do not influence scientific judgment.

14. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Editorial Practice

The journal supports:

• Equal opportunity for authors and reviewers
• Inclusion of diverse scientific perspectives
• Non-discriminatory editorial and review decisions

Editorial processes evaluate only the scientific quality of submissions.

15. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The journal regularly updates its editorial policies to reflect:

• Advancements in immunological research
• Emerging global publishing standards
• Innovations in peer review and scholarly dissemination

Feedback from authors, reviewers, and board members is encouraged.

The editorial policy of SCICONX Journal of Immunobiology ensures that every manuscript is handled with fairness, transparency, professionalism, and scientific integrity. Through strict adherence to ethical and editorial standards, the journal aims to foster trust within the scientific community and contribute meaningfully to global immunobiological research.