1. Editorial Mission and Responsibility

Editors of the SCICONX Journal of Cellular Immunology and Tissue Engineering (JCITE) serve as stewards of scientific rigor, ethical integrity, and intellectual innovation. The editorial role is not merely administrative; it is a scholarly responsibility to curate high-impact research that advances understanding at the interface of cellular immunology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and translational bioengineering.

Editors are expected to:

• Uphold the journal’s academic independence and editorial autonomy
• Ensure fair, unbiased, and timely peer review
• Promote methodological rigor, reproducibility, and transparency
• Encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and translational relevance

All editorial decisions must be guided exclusively by scholarly merit, originality, clarity, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

2. Editorial Structure and Roles

2.1 Editor-in-Chief (EiC)

The Editor-in-Chief provides strategic leadership and has final authority over editorial decisions. Responsibilities include:

• Defining editorial priorities and thematic directions
• Appointing and overseeing Associate Editors and Editorial Board Members
• Ensuring adherence to ethical and publication standards
• Representing the journal within the scientific and publishing communities

2.2 Associate Editors (AEs)

Associate Editors manage the peer-review process for assigned manuscripts. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting an initial technical and scope assessment
• Selecting qualified, independent peer reviewers
• Evaluating reviewer reports and making recommendations to the EiC
• Communicating clearly and constructively with authors

2.3 Editorial Board Members

Editorial Board Members support the journal by:

• Providing expert peer review
• Advising on journal development and emerging research areas
• Promoting the journal within academic and professional networks

3. Manuscript Assessment and Editorial Screening

Upon submission, editors must perform an initial screening to determine whether the manuscript:

• Fits the journal’s scope and thematic focus
• Demonstrates scientific novelty and conceptual advancement
• Meets baseline standards of language, structure, and data presentation
• Complies with ethical requirements and author guidelines

Manuscripts that fail to meet these criteria may be desk-rejected with a clear, professional, and educational explanation to the authors.

4. Peer Review Management

4.1 Reviewer Selection

Editors must select reviewers based on:

• Subject-matter expertise
• Absence of conflicts of interest
• Demonstrated scholarly credibility

A minimum of two independent reviewers is required. Editors should aim for diversity in geographic location, institutional affiliation, and scientific perspective where possible.

4.2 Review Oversight

Editors are responsible for:

• Monitoring review timelines and sending reminders when necessary
• Ensuring reviews are constructive, respectful, and evidence-based
• Intervening when reviews are unprofessional, biased, or inadequate

Editors may request additional reviews if reports are contradictory or insufficient.

5. Editorial Decision-Making

Editorial decisions should be categorized as:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

Decisions must be supported by clear reasoning that integrates reviewer feedback with the editor’s own scholarly judgment. Editors should not rely solely on reviewer recommendations but must critically evaluate the scientific arguments and evidence presented.

6. Ethical Oversight and Research Integrity

Editors must actively safeguard research integrity by identifying and addressing:

• Plagiarism, redundant publication, and data fabrication
• Ethical issues related to human or animal research
• Inappropriate image manipulation or data misrepresentation

When ethical concerns arise, editors should follow the journal’s established ethics workflow, including consultation with the EiC and when necessary, institutional authorities.

7. Conflict of Interest Management

Editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence editorial judgment. Editors should recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where a conflict exists, including but not limited to:

• Personal or professional relationships with authors
• Competitive or collaborative research interests
• Financial or institutional affiliations

Transparency and impartiality are mandatory at all stages of editorial handling.

8. Communication Standards

Editors are expected to maintain professional, respectful, and timely communication with authors and reviewers. All correspondence should:

• Be clear and unambiguous
• Focus on scientific content rather than personal critique
• Encourage improvement and scholarly dialogue

Editors should avoid language that could be interpreted as dismissive, biased, or discouraging.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All submitted manuscripts and peer-review materials are confidential. Editors must:

• Protect author and reviewer identities
• Refrain from sharing unpublished data
• Not use information obtained through peer review for personal advantage

Confidentiality obligations continue even after editorial service concludes.

10. Promotion of Quality and Innovation

Editors are encouraged to:

• Propose special issues and thematic sections
• Identify emerging research trends in cellular immunology and tissue engineering
• Invite high-quality reviews, perspectives, and methodological papers

The journal values innovative methodologies, integrative models, and translational studies that bridge basic immunology with engineered tissue systems.

11. Performance Expectations and Accountability

Editors are expected to:

• Handle manuscripts efficiently and within defined timelines
• Maintain consistent editorial standards
• Participate in periodic editorial evaluations and meetings

Continued editorial appointment is contingent upon performance, engagement, and adherence to journal policies.

12. Commitment to Scholarly Excellence

By accepting an editorial role at JCITE, editors commit to advancing scientific excellence, ethical publishing, and global collaboration. The editorial team collectively shapes the journal’s reputation, impact, and contribution to the scientific community.

Editors are encouraged to approach their role with intellectual curiosity, fairness, and a long-term vision for the field.