Ethics for Editors
Editors of the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders (JNND) are entrusted with maintaining the highest ethical standards in the editorial process. These principles ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity in scholarly publishing.
Impartiality and Integrity
- Decisions must be based exclusively on the manuscript’s scientific merit.
- Editors must not be influenced by personal, institutional, or political agendas.
- Editorial independence is protected against external pressures from sponsors, advertisers, or funders.
Confidentiality
Editors must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents. Information cannot be disclosed to unauthorized parties, including other authors or colleagues not involved in the review process.
Conflict of Interest
- Editors must declare and recuse themselves if conflicts of interest exist.
- Conflicts include personal, financial, or collaborative relationships with authors.
- Manuscripts under conflict must be reassigned to another editor.
Handling Misconduct
Editors are responsible for investigating suspected plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or ethical breaches. They must follow COPE flowcharts to determine appropriate actions.
Transparency in Communication
- Editors must provide clear, constructive, and transparent feedback to authors.
- Decisions on acceptance or rejection should be explained with supporting evidence.
- Appeals must be handled fairly and without bias.
Upholding editorial ethics strengthens trust between authors, reviewers, and readers, ensuring the credibility of neuroscience research.
Adherence to International Standards
JNND editors commit to following global editorial ethics guidelines, including:
- Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
- World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)
FAQs
What should editors do if they suspect misconduct?
Editors must investigate following COPE procedures and consult with the publisher or institutions if needed.
Can editors publish in JNND?
Yes, but their submissions undergo independent peer review to avoid conflicts of interest.
How should editors respond to complaints?
Complaints must be addressed fairly, confidentially, and promptly, with outcomes communicated transparently to all parties.