The SCICONX Journal of Cellular Immunology and Tissue Engineering (JCITE) is committed to publishing high-quality, innovative, and ethically sound research that advances understanding and application at the intersection of cellular immunology and engineered tissues. This Editorial Policy outlines the guiding principles that inform editorial decisions, peer-review standards, ethical compliance, editorial independence, and responsibilities toward authors, reviewers, and the scientific community.

1. Purpose and Scope of the Editorial Policy

The purpose of this Editorial Policy is to:

• Ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in editorial decision-making
• Promote research integrity and scientific rigor
• Protect the rights of authors and reviewers
• Uphold ethical standards in research and publication
• Support the journal’s mission to facilitate interdisciplinary advancement

This policy applies to all submitted manuscripts, peer reviewers, editors, and contributors associated with JCITE.

2. Editorial Independence and Integrity

JCITE maintains strict editorial independence. The editorial process, from manuscript assessment through final decision, is guided solely by scientific merit, relevance, and adherence to ethical standards - free from commercial or personal influence.

No individual or entity external to the editorial process may:

• Influence editorial decisions
• Intervene in peer review outcomes
• Suppress or promote content for non-scientific reasons

Editorial decisions are based on expert evaluation of the research quality and its contribution to the field.

3. Fairness and Non-Discrimination

JCITE is committed to fair treatment of all authors, regardless of:

• Geographic location
• Ethnicity or gender
• Institutional affiliation
• Career stage

Submitters are evaluated solely on the scientific value, originality, and methodological soundness of their work.

Discrimination in any form - whether in peer review, editorial communication, or publication decisions - is strictly prohibited.

4. Peer Review Standards

4.1 Peer Review Model

JCITE employs a rigorous double-blind peer review process:

• Reviewers do not see authors’ identities
• Authors do not know reviewer identities

This model minimizes bias and promotes objective evaluation.

4.2 Reviewer Selection

Reviewers are selected based on:

• Expertise in relevant scientific disciplines
• Absence of conflicts of interest
• Prior experience and credibility in peer review

Editorial oversight ensures that reviewer feedback is evidence-based, respectful, and constructive.

5. Ethical Requirements for Submission

All manuscripts must meet ethical research and reporting standards, including:

5.1 Human and Animal Research

• Ethical approvals from relevant committees must be clearly stated
• Informed consent must be documented for human subjects
• Animal studies must comply with internationally accepted welfare standards

5.2 Data Integrity and Honesty

Authors must ensure that:

• Data are authentic
• Results are reported without fabrication or manipulation
• Figures and tables accurately represent findings

Suspected data fabrication triggers an ethical investigation.

6. Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

JCITE defines unacceptable practices to include:

• Plagiarism: copying text or ideas without citations
• Self-plagiarism: submitting previously published content as new
• Redundant publication: publishing substantially similar work in multiple venues

Submitted manuscripts are screened for similarity using advanced software. Detected overlap must be fully clarified by authors.

7. Conflicts of Interest

7.1 Disclosure Requirements

Authors, editors, and reviewers must disclose all potential conflicts of interest, including:

• Financial support or consulting fees
• Institutional or personal relationships
• Competitive research interests

Disclosure enables transparent evaluation and fair editorial decision-making.

7.2 Managing Conflicts

When conflicts exist, the editorial office may:

• Reassign handling editors or reviewers
• Request author clarification
• Publish conflict statements alongside accepted articles

8. Authorship Criteria

JCITE adheres to the following principles for authorship:

• Substantial contribution to conception, design, or data analysis
• Participation in drafting or revising the manuscript
• Final approval of the version to be published
• Accountability for the accuracy and integrity of the work

All contributors must be listed appropriately, with explicit roles indicated when necessary.

9. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

JCITE maintains a transparent correction policy:

9.1 Corrections

• Issued when minor errors impact interpretation or data presentation
• Publish a formal correction note linked to the original article

9.2 Retractions

• Used when findings are invalidated by error, misconduct, or ethical breach
• Include a formal notice explaining the reason for retraction

9.3 Expressions of Concern

• Issued when investigations are ongoing and conclusions cannot yet be drawn

10. Data Sharing and Transparency

JCITE encourages open research practices:

• Authors should include data availability statements
• Whenever possible, datasets and code should be deposited in recognized repositories
• Exceptions must be justified (e.g., privacy concerns or proprietary data)

Transparency fosters replicability and broad scientific engagement.

11. Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

JCITE permits the appropriate use of AI for:

• Language editing
• Grammar improvement
• Formatting aid

However, AI must not be used to:

• Generate or interpret scientific ideas
• Construct conclusions
• Draft substantive intellectual content

Authors must disclose AI use in the manuscript.

12. Editorial Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe:

• Review was biased or procedural errors occurred
• Ethical issues affected the outcome

Appeals are reviewed independently by senior editors and may result in:

• Re-evaluation of the decision
• Additional peer review
• Confirmation of the original decision

13. Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Subjects

Research involving minors or vulnerable individuals requires:

• Explicit ethical approval
• Transparent reporting of protections and consent safeguards

Experiments that pose undue risk without justification are prohibited.

14. Oversight and Continuous Improvement

JCITE regularly reviews and updates its Editorial Policy to reflect:

• Advances in publishing standards
• Ethical guidelines from global authorities
• Community feedback from authors and reviewers

Updates are publicly posted and take effect upon publication.

15. Commitment to Excellence

By submitting to or serving the SCICONX Journal of Cellular Immunology and Tissue Engineering, all participants agree to uphold the principles in this Editorial Policy. These standards ensure that JCITE remains a trusted venue for scientific innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible dissemination of knowledge.