The SCICONX Journal of Polymer Chemistry (JPC) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic publishing through a transparent, ethical, and rigorous editorial framework. This Editorial Policy outlines the principles and procedures that govern manuscript handling, peer review, editorial decision-making, and publication ethics.

The journal aims to ensure the integrity, quality, and credibility of all published content while fostering a fair and efficient publishing environment for authors, reviewers, and editors.

Editorial Independence

The journal upholds complete editorial independence. Editorial decisions are made solely on the basis of:

• Scientific merit and originality
• Relevance to the journal’s scope
• Clarity and methodological rigor
• Ethical compliance

Decisions are not influenced by commercial interests, sponsorship, institutional affiliations, or personal relationships.

Peer Review Policy

The journal follows a double-blind peer review process, ensuring that:

• Reviewer identities remain confidential to authors
• Author identities remain confidential to reviewers

Each manuscript is evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise. The peer review process is designed to ensure objectivity, fairness, and constructive feedback.

Manuscript Evaluation Process

All submitted manuscripts undergo a structured evaluation process:

1. Initial Screening – Assessment of scope, originality, and compliance
2. Plagiarism Check – Screening using reliable detection tools
3. Editorial Assignment – Allocation to a qualified handling editor
4. Peer Review – Independent evaluation by expert reviewers
5. Editorial Decision – Based on reviewer feedback and editorial judgment
6. Revision and Final Acceptance – Author revisions followed by final approval

Ethical Standards

The journal adheres to internationally recognized standards of publication ethics and expects all participants in the publishing process to comply with these principles.

Authors

Authors must ensure that:

• Submissions are original and not under consideration elsewhere
• All sources are properly cited
• Data is accurate and not fabricated or manipulated
• Authorship reflects actual contributions

Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

• Provide objective, unbiased, and constructive feedback
• Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts
• Disclose any conflicts of interest
• Avoid using unpublished material for personal benefit

Editors

Editors must:

• Make impartial and evidence-based decisions
• Maintain confidentiality
• Avoid conflicts of interest
• Act promptly and transparently

Plagiarism and Misconduct Policy

The journal has a zero-tolerance policy toward unethical practices, including:

• Plagiarism
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Duplicate or redundant publication
• Improper authorship attribution

Manuscripts found to violate ethical standards may be rejected, retracted, or corrected, depending on the severity of the issue.

Conflict of Interest Policy

All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the evaluation or interpretation of the manuscript.

Conflicts may include financial, institutional, or personal relationships. Transparent disclosure helps maintain trust and objectivity in the publication process.

Authorship and Contribution

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant contributions to:

• Conceptualization and design
• Data collection and analysis
• Manuscript drafting and revision

All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.

Data Availability and Reproducibility

JPC encourages authors to:

• Provide sufficient methodological detail to allow reproducibility
• Share data, code, and materials where applicable
• Clearly describe experimental procedures and analytical methods

Transparency in research enhances reliability and scientific progress.

Corrections, Retractions, and Updates

The journal is committed to maintaining the accuracy of the scientific record:

• Corrections are issued for minor errors that do not affect conclusions
• Retractions are issued for major errors or ethical violations
• Updates may be published to clarify or expand on previously published work

All corrections and retractions are clearly identified and linked to the original article.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals must:

• Be submitted with a detailed justification
• Address reviewer comments and editorial concerns

The journal will review appeals objectively and may seek additional expert opinions.

Complaints regarding editorial processes are handled with transparency and professionalism.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts and related communications are treated as confidential documents. Information must not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals at any stage of the publication process.

Copyright and Licensing

• Authors retain copyright of their work
• Articles are published under an open-access license
• Authors grant the journal the right to publish, distribute, and archive the content

Advertising and Commercial Policy

JPC ensures a clear separation between editorial content and commercial interests. Advertising, if any, does not influence editorial decisions or manuscript evaluation.

Archiving and Digital Preservation

The journal is committed to the long-term preservation of published content through:

• Digital archiving systems
• Permanent identifiers (DOIs)
• Reliable online accessibility

Commitment to Quality and Transparency

JPC continuously strives to improve its editorial processes by:

• Adopting best practices in scholarly publishing
• Ensuring transparency in decision-making
• Engaging with the academic community for feedback
• Maintaining high standards of research integrity

The SCICONX Journal of Polymer Chemistry (JPC) is dedicated to fostering a trustworthy and high-quality publishing environment. By adhering to this Editorial Policy, the journal ensures that all published research contributes meaningfully to the advancement of polymer chemistry and related disciplines.