The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology (JVI) values the expertise, commitment, and scholarly leadership of its Editorial Board members. This page provides essential information regarding the roles, expectations, and responsibilities of Editorial Board members, as well as the journal’s vision, standards, and operational practices.

Serving on the Editorial Board signifies a professional commitment to advancing high-quality research in vaccinology and immunological sciences and to upholding the integrity of the scholarly publishing process.

Role of the Editorial Board

Editorial Board members play a vital advisory and academic role in shaping the journal’s quality and reputation. Their contributions support both the strategic development of the journal and the maintenance of rigorous editorial standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing subject-matter expertise in vaccine and immunology research
• Supporting the peer review process through manuscript evaluation or reviewer recommendations
• Advising on journal scope, emerging research areas, and special issues
• Promoting ethical research and publication practices
• Acting as ambassadors for the journal within the scientific community

Editorial Independence and Integrity

The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology operates with full editorial independence. Editorial Board members are expected to exercise impartial academic judgment and to ensure that editorial decisions are based solely on scientific merit, originality, and relevance.

Commercial interests, institutional affiliations, or personal relationships must not influence editorial activities.

Manuscript Review Expectations

Editorial Board members may be invited to:

• Review manuscripts within their area of expertise
• Recommend qualified and independent peer reviewers
• Provide advisory opinions on complex or interdisciplinary submissions

Board members are encouraged to respond promptly to review invitations and to complete assigned reviews within the requested timeframe whenever possible.

Ethical Responsibilities

Editorial Board members are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and to assist the journal in identifying and addressing potential issues, including:

• Plagiarism or redundant publication
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Inappropriate authorship practices
• Ethical concerns related to human or animal research
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest

Any concerns should be communicated confidentially to the Editor-in-Chief or the editorial office.

Confidentiality and Professional Conduct

All manuscripts, reviewer identities, and editorial communications must be treated as strictly confidential. Editorial Board members must not disclose, share, or use unpublished content for personal or professional advantage.

Professional conduct, respectful communication, and academic courtesy are expected in all interactions with authors, reviewers, and fellow editors.

Conflicts of Interest

Editorial Board members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide an objective assessment of a manuscript. When a conflict exists, members should decline involvement in the review or advisory process for that submission.

Contribution to Journal Development

In addition to editorial duties, Board members are encouraged to contribute to the journal’s growth by:

• Suggesting topical themes or special issues
• Recommending emerging areas of research
• Encouraging high-quality submissions
• Supporting the journal’s visibility within academic and professional networks

Term of Service and Engagement

Editorial Board appointments are typically reviewed periodically based on contribution, engagement, and alignment with the journal’s mission. Active participation and continued scholarly involvement are essential to maintaining Board membership.

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Editorial Tools

Editorial Board members may use digital or AI-assisted tools to support administrative or language-related tasks; however:

• Academic judgment must remain human-led
• Confidential manuscript data must not be shared with unauthorized platforms
• AI tools must not be used to replace scholarly evaluation

Communication with the Editorial Office

Editorial Board members are encouraged to maintain open and professional communication with the editorial office. Questions, suggestions, or concerns related to editorial activities or journal policies should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief or designated editorial contacts.

Acknowledgement of Service

The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology recognizes the valuable contributions of its Editorial Board members. Their service supports the journal’s mission to advance vaccine and immunology research and to uphold excellence in scholarly publishing.

By accepting membership on the Editorial Board, individuals affirm their commitment to these principles and to the continued development of the journal.