The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology (JVI) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publishing through a transparent, ethical, and academically independent editorial policy. The journal’s editorial practices are designed to ensure that all published content is scientifically sound, ethically conducted, and relevant to the advancement of vaccine science and immunological research.

Editorial decisions are guided solely by academic merit and are free from commercial, institutional, or personal influence.

Editorial Independence

This journal operates with full editorial independence. The Editor-in-Chief and editorial team have complete authority over the editorial content of the journal, including manuscript selection, peer review outcomes, and publication decisions. The publisher does not interfere with editorial decision-making or influence acceptance or rejection of manuscripts.

This independence safeguards the credibility of the journal and ensures trust among authors, reviewers, and readers.

Roles and Responsibilities

Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief provides strategic leadership and is responsible for:

• Defining the journal’s editorial direction and scope
• Ensuring adherence to ethical and publishing standards
• Overseeing peer review and editorial decision-making
• Appointing and guiding members of the editorial team
• Representing the journal within the scientific community

Associate Editors and Section Editors

Associate and Section Editors support the editorial process by:

• Managing manuscripts within their areas of expertise
• Selecting appropriate peer reviewers
• Assessing reviewer reports and recommending editorial decisions
• Ensuring timely and fair handling of submissions

Editorial Board Members

Editorial Board members provide subject-matter expertise, support peer review activities, and advise on journal development and emerging research areas.

Manuscript Evaluation and Decision Criteria

All submitted manuscripts are evaluated based on the following core criteria:

• Originality and contribution to the field
• Scientific rigor and methodological soundness
• Ethical compliance and transparency
• Clarity of presentation and data reporting
• Relevance to the journal’s aims and scope

Editorial decisions may include acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection. Decisions are communicated clearly and respectfully to authors.

Peer Review Integrity

The journal employs a structured peer review process to ensure objectivity and fairness. Editors are responsible for:

• Selecting qualified and independent reviewers
• Ensuring confidentiality throughout the review process
• Evaluating reviewer feedback critically and independently
• Preventing conflicts of interest or review manipulation

The editorial team reserves the right to seek additional reviews or editorial opinions when necessary.

Ethical Standards and Misconduct

This journal maintains a zero-tolerance approach to unethical publishing practices. The editorial team actively monitors for:

• Plagiarism and duplicate publication
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Inappropriate authorship practices
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Ethical non-compliance in human or animal research

Suspected misconduct is handled confidentially and in accordance with established ethical guidelines. Appropriate actions may include manuscript rejection, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.

Conflicts of Interest

Editors involved in the handling of a manuscript must disclose any conflicts of interest. When a conflict exists, editorial responsibility is reassigned to ensure impartial decision-making.

Transparency and Communication

The editorial office is committed to clear, timely, and professional communication with authors and reviewers. Authors are kept informed of the progress of their manuscripts, and editorial decisions are accompanied by constructive feedback.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

The journal acknowledges the responsible use of artificial intelligence in scholarly publishing. Editors may use AI-assisted tools for administrative or language-related support; however:

• Editorial judgment remains human-led
• Confidential manuscript data is protected
• AI tools do not replace peer review or editorial decision-making

Corrections, Retractions, and Updates

The editorial team is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. When necessary, corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions are issued transparently to address significant errors or ethical concerns.

Continuous Improvement

The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology regularly reviews and updates its editorial policies to reflect evolving best practices in scholarly publishing. Feedback from authors, reviewers, and editors is welcomed to support continuous improvement.

Commitment to Excellence

Through this editorial policy, the journal reaffirms its commitment to academic integrity, scientific excellence, and responsible dissemination of research in vaccinology and immunological sciences.