The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology (JVI) relies on a strong, ethical, and academically independent editorial structure to maintain the quality and credibility of its published content. These instructions outline the roles, responsibilities, and professional expectations of Editors serving the journal. All Editors are expected to uphold the highest standards of scholarly integrity, transparency, and fairness throughout the editorial process.

Editorial Structure and Roles

The editorial team of JVI may include the Editor‑in‑Chief, Associate Editors, Section Editors, Guest Editors, and members of the Editorial Board. Each role contributes to the journal’s mission while operating within clearly defined responsibilities.

Editor‑in‑Chief

The Editor‑in‑Chief provides strategic and academic leadership for the journal and is responsible for:

• Defining the journal’s editorial direction and scope
• Ensuring compliance with ethical and publishing standards
• Overseeing editorial decision‑making processes
• Appointing and guiding Associate Editors and Editorial Board members
• Representing the journal within the scientific and academic community

Associate and Section Editors

Associate and Section Editors support the Editor‑in‑Chief by:

• Managing assigned manuscripts through the peer‑review process
• Selecting qualified and independent reviewers
• Evaluating reviewer reports and making editorial recommendations
• Ensuring timely handling of submissions
• Maintaining confidentiality and impartiality

Guest Editors

Guest Editors may be appointed for special issues or thematic collections. They are expected to follow all journal policies and operate under the supervision of the Editor‑in‑Chief.

Editorial Responsibilities

Editors of JVI are expected to:

• Make editorial decisions based solely on scientific merit, originality, clarity, and relevance
• Treat all submissions fairly, without discrimination based on nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, or personal beliefs
• Ensure that the peer‑review process is objective, confidential, and constructive
• Promote high standards of reporting, methodology, and ethical compliance

Editors must avoid personal, financial, or professional conflicts of interest that could influence editorial judgment.

Manuscript Handling and Decision‑Making

Upon assignment, Editors should:

• Conduct an initial assessment of the manuscript’s suitability for the journal
• Identify appropriate peer reviewers with relevant expertise
• Monitor reviewer progress and ensure timely completion of reviews
• Evaluate reviewer feedback critically and independently
• Provide clear, reasoned editorial decisions (accept, revise, or reject)

Editorial decisions should be communicated respectfully and transparently to authors, with constructive guidance where revisions are required.

Peer Review Oversight

Editors are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the peer‑review process. This includes:

• Selecting unbiased and competent reviewers
• Ensuring reviewer anonymity when applicable
• Addressing conflicting or inappropriate reviews
• Preventing manipulation or misuse of the review process

Editors should encourage reviewers to provide evidence‑based, professional, and respectful evaluations.

Ethical Oversight and Misconduct

Editors play a central role in identifying and addressing potential ethical concerns, including:

• Plagiarism and redundant publication
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Authorship disputes
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Ethical issues involving human or animal research

Suspected misconduct should be reported to the Editor‑in‑Chief and handled in accordance with the journal’s ethical policies and internationally recognized best practices.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts and related communications as confidential. Manuscript content, reviewer identities, and editorial deliberations must not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals or used for personal advantage.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Editorial Work

Editors may use artificial intelligence tools to support administrative tasks or language assessment; however:

• AI tools must not replace human editorial judgment
• Editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the assigned Editor
• Confidential manuscript data must not be uploaded to unauthorized AI platforms

Communication and Professional Conduct

Editors are expected to maintain clear, respectful, and timely communication with authors, reviewers, and fellow Editors. Professional conduct, academic courtesy, and responsiveness are essential to maintaining the journal’s reputation.

Editorial Independence

The SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology maintains full editorial independence. Editorial decisions are not influenced by the publisher, sponsors, or commercial considerations. Editors are empowered to act in the best interests of scientific integrity and the research community.

Performance and Ongoing Engagement

Editors are expected to:

• Actively contribute to the journal’s development and visibility
• Recommend qualified reviewers and potential Editorial Board members
• Support special issues and strategic initiatives when appropriate
• Periodically review and update their knowledge of editorial best practices

Acceptance of Editorial Role

By accepting an editorial position with the SCICONX Journal of Vaccine and Immunology, Editors agree to adhere to these instructions and to uphold the journal’s mission, ethical principles, and commitment to excellence in scholarly publishing.