The SCICONX Journal of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (JSCRM) uphold an editorial policy rooted in scientific rigor, ethical integrity, transparency, and progressive research values. As a leading platform committed to advancing foundational and translational developments in stem cell science, tissue engineering, and regenerative therapies, JSCRM ensures that every manuscript is evaluated with fairness, precision, and respect for global scientific standards.

1. Editorial Independence

JSCRM operates with full editorial independence. Editors make decisions solely based on:

• Scientific quality
• Methodological soundness
• Ethical compliance
• Relevance to journal scope
• Novelty and contribution to the field

No decision is influenced by:

• Commercial interests
• Author nationality, gender, institutional affiliation, or seniority
• Funding agencies
• Personal relationships

SCICONX Publishing strictly supports this independence to preserve academic integrity.

2. Core Editorial Principles

All editorial actions align with the following guiding principles:

2.1 Fairness

Every submission is evaluated impartially through a standardized assessment framework. Editors must remain unbiased and abstain from evaluating manuscripts that present potential conflicts of interest.

2.2 Transparency

Editorial decisions are reasoned, traceable, and based on clearly communicated criteria. Authors receive constructive and transparent feedback regardless of the outcome.

2.3 Accountability

Editors are responsible for the scientific accuracy and ethical compliance of the manuscripts they handle. Any oversight or procedural lapse must be promptly acknowledged and corrected.

2.4 Efficiency

JSCRM’s editorial workflow is designed to balance speed with rigor. Editors must ensure timely processing without compromising review quality or ethical standards.

3. Manuscript Assessment Policy

3.1 Initial Editorial Screening

Each submission undergoes an initial triage to assess:

• Suitability to journal scope
• Novelty and scientific merit
• Completeness of submission
• Ethical approvals and consent
• Adherence to author guidelines

Manuscripts that fail to meet fundamental journal requirements may be desk-rejected with clear justification.

3.2 Peer Review Coordination

Editors are responsible for:

• Selecting qualified reviewers with domain expertise
• Ensuring a double-blind peer review environment
• Monitoring reviewer performance and timeliness
• Evaluating review quality and fairness

Editors may invite additional reviewers when needed.

3.3 Decision-Making Standard

Final decisions are categorized as:

• Acceptance
• Minor revision
• Major revision
• Re-submission
• Rejection

All decisions must be justified with specific, actionable comments.

4. Ethical Standards and Compliance

4.1 Research Ethics

Editors must verify compliance in areas including but not limited to:

• Human subjects research
• Use of embryonic, induced pluripotent, fetal, or adult stem cells
• Animal studies
• Genetic modification
• Clinical translation
• Data protection and participant consent

Approvals from recognized ethics committees must be documented.

4.2 Integrity of Data and Reporting

Editors must ensure that authors adhere to:

• Accurate and transparent data reporting
• Availability of underlying datasets upon request
• Clear distinction between replicated work and new contributions

Red flags such as manipulated images, inconsistent data, or unverified claims trigger further inquiry.

4.3 Misconduct Handling

JSCRM follows strict procedures for allegations including:

• Plagiarism
• Duplicate submission
• Fabrication or falsification
• Authorship disputes
• Peer-review manipulation

Cases are investigated discreetly yet thoroughly, with COPE-aligned resolutions.

5. Editorial Conflicts of Interest

Editors must:

• Declare all potential conflicts
• Avoid handling manuscripts from collaborators, friends, students, or competitors
• Reassign conflicted manuscripts to unbiased editors

Failure to disclose conflicts may result in removal from the editorial board.

6. Editorial Board Responsibilities

Members of the board are expected to:

• Promote the journal within their scientific networks
• Contribute thought leadership through editorials or reviews
• Assist in special issue development
• Offer strategic guidance for journal growth
• Uphold the reputation and ethical foundation of JSCRM

Inactive members may be rotated annually to maintain an active and engaged board.

7. Appeals and Complaints Policy

7.1 Author Appeals

Authors may request an appeal only when:

• They believe a factual error influenced the decision
• They can provide additional evidence or clarification

Appeals undergo reassessment by a senior editor not involved in the original decision.

7.2 Handling Complaints

Complaints are addressed with:

• Neutral investigation
• Documentation of findings
• Corrective measures when warranted
• Transparent communication with concerned parties

8. Editorial Transparency and Updates

The editorial policy is reviewed annually to adapt to:

• Emerging technologies
• Ethical challenges in stem cell research
• Evolving regulatory frameworks
• Advances in peer-review practices

Any updates are published on the journal website for public awareness.

9. Commitment to Scientific Progress

JSCRM’s editorial policy champions:

• Open scientific discourse
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ethical innovation
• Global accessibility of regenerative medicine research

By adhering to these principles, the journal aims to shape a responsible, forward-thinking platform for scientific discovery that benefits society and accelerates global advancements in regenerative medicine.