Welcome to the Editorial Board of the SCICONX Journal of Cellular Immunology and Tissue Engineering (JCITE) - a premier interdisciplinary forum advancing research at the nexus of immune regulation, cellular biology, engineered tissues, and translational therapeutics.

This page outlines the roles, expectations, responsibilities, ethical commitments, and operational workflows for all Editorial Board Members. It serves as a comprehensive reference to support your contributions and ensure the quality, integrity, and global impact of the journal.

1. Editorial Board Mission and Values

As a member of the JCITE Editorial Board, you are a steward of the journal’s mission to:

• Promote scientific excellence and methodological rigor in emerging research
• Champion innovation at the interface of cellular immunology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering
• Foster ethical and transparent scholarship across disciplines and regions
• Support timely publication and constructive peer review

Board members are expected to reflect these core values in every editorial action, decision, and communication.

2. Editorial Board Structure and Roles

JCITE’s Editorial Board includes members with diverse expertise in fields such as:

• Immunomodulation and immune engineering
• Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
• Biomaterials, scaffolds, and extracellular matrix design
• Organ-on-chip systems and immune-engineered tissues
• Clinical translation and immunotherapy

Primary Responsibilities

Each Board member has the following key roles:

2.1 Manuscript Evaluation

• Provide expert assessments for manuscripts assigned by the editorial office
• Identify suitable peer reviewers when requested
• Assess review quality and offer recommendations in complex cases

2.2 Peer Review Oversight

• Support editors in selecting qualified reviewers
• Advise on reviewer disagreements or contradictory reviews
• Suggest additional reviewers or alternative evaluation pathways when needed

2.3 Strategic Development

• Propose thematic issues, special sections, or emerging topic focuses
• Recommend advances in editorial policy or peer review methodology
• Advocate for the journal in professional and academic networks

2.4 Representation

• Act as ambassadors for JCITE at scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops
• Engage in outreach to authors and reviewers
• Support diversity and inclusivity in journal participation

3. Editorial Expectations and Conduct

All Editorial Board members are expected to act with integrity, professionalism, and respect. This includes:

3.1 Scientific Integrity

• Uphold rigorous standards in assessment and recommendations
• Advocate for reproducibility, transparency, and ethical compliance
• Flag potential concerns related to plagiarism, fabrication, or fraud

3.2 Ethical Leadership

• Abide by JCITE’s ethical guidelines for publication and research
• Maintain confidentiality regarding manuscript content and decisions
• Disclose and manage conflicts of interest transparently

3.3 Constructive Collaboration

• Provide balanced, evidence-based feedback
• Encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and learning
• Respect cultural, geographic, and disciplinary diversity in authors and reviewers

4. Editorial Workflow and Expectations

To support operational efficiency and responsiveness, Editorial Board members should adhere to the following expectations:

4.1 Responsiveness

• Respond promptly to editorial requests (ideally within 48–72 hours)
• Notify the editorial office if unavailable for extended periods

4.2 Review and Recommendation

• Offer candid, evidence-based recommendations
• Use clear, respectful language in editorial comments
• Provide timely evaluations to enhance author experience

4.3 Reassessment and Follow-up

• Engage in reassessment when manuscripts are revised
• Monitor constructive incorporation of reviewer feedback

5. Collaboration with the Editorial Office

JCITE values efficient, respectful collaboration between the Editorial Board and the editorial team. Board members should:

• Communicate openly with the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors
• Share insights on reviewer performance and development
• Suggest process improvements or editorial innovations
• Participate in periodic editorial meetings (virtual or in-person)

6. Avoidance and Management of Conflicts of Interest

Editorial Board members must recuse themselves from handling or reviewing manuscripts when:

• They have a personal or professional relationship with the authors
• They have competitive or collaborative ties to the subject matter
• Financial or institutional interests could influence judgment

Disclosure should be made proactively, and alternate editors should be suggested when possible.

7. Editorial Board Meetings and Evaluation

JCITE conducts periodic Editorial Board meetings to:

• Share journal performance metrics
• Discuss editorial policy updates or strategic initiatives
• Review trends in submissions, peer review outcomes, and readership impact
• Recognize outstanding contributions from board members, reviewers, and authors

Board performance may also be reviewed annually to ensure engagement and contributions align with journal goals.

8. Development and Mentorship Opportunities

Editorial Board membership at JCITE is not just a role - it’s a collaborative professional development opportunity. Members are encouraged to:

• Participate in editorial workshops or peer review training
• Mentor early-career reviewers or editorial interns
• Co-author editorials, commentaries, or special issue prefaces
• Contribute to educational elements such as podcasts or webinars

9. Recognition and Scholarly Contribution

JCITE acknowledges the vital role of its Editorial Board through:

• Public recognition on the journal website
• Certificates of service and editorial appreciation
• Opportunities to shape journal direction and policy
• Invitations to contribute to high-impact initiatives

10. Commitment to Excellence

By serving on the JCITE Editorial Board, you affirm a shared commitment to:

• Upholding scientific and ethical standards
• Advancing global research in cellular immunology and tissue engineering
• Enriching the scientific community through thoughtful editorial leadership

Your expertise and dedication directly shape the integrity, relevance, and impact of the work published in JCITE.