Journal of Immunization · ISSN 2577-137X · Open Access Pub
For Editors
Editors of the Journal of Immunization hold the decision on what the journal publishes. This page sets out what that responsibility involves and the standards it is exercised against.
Editing here is scholarly stewardship: overseeing peer review, upholding publication ethics, and keeping the decision independent of everything that is not the work itself.
The role
What an editor is responsible for
An editor's work on a manuscript runs from the first read to the published record.
01
Assessing scope and readiness
All submissions undergo initial editorial screening. Manuscripts that meet the journal's scope and minimum requirements proceed to independent peer review. An editor who returns a manuscript without review says why, promptly, so the authors can submit where the work will be read.
02
Selecting reviewers
Reviewers are chosen for expertise in the subject and the method of the manuscript, and for the absence of a competing interest. Manuscripts that proceed to external peer review are normally evaluated by at least two independent subject-matter experts.
03
Protecting the review model
Single-blind by default; double-blind review is available on request. When double-blind review is requested, editors must ensure that author-identifying information is not shared with reviewers.
04
Reaching and explaining a decision
Editorial decisions are based on scope, scientific quality, methodological rigor, ethical compliance, reporting quality, and relevance to the journal. A decision letter states the grounds it rests on, and a revision request identifies what the editor needs in order to assess the work further.
05
Maintaining the record
Where a published article needs correcting, the editor decides between a correction, a retraction and an expression of concern on the evidence, and ensures the notice is linked to the article it concerns.
Independence and interests
The decision belongs to the editor
The value of an editorial decision rests entirely on its independence.
Joining the board
Serving as an editor
The journal welcomes expressions of interest from researchers and practitioners with a substantive record in immunization or a discipline that contributes to it.
An expression of interest should describe the area of immunization the applicant could assess, the relevant record of published work, and the current affiliation. Write to the editorial office at [email protected].
Appointments are made on scholarly grounds: subject expertise, a published record in the field, and a readiness to give manuscripts the reading they need. An editorial role carries no advantage in the review of the appointee's own submissions.
Related pages
The policies an editor applies
The editorial policies are the standard; the reviewer guidance sets out what editors ask of reviewers; the board page lists the editors currently serving.
Editorial Policies For Reviewers Editorial Board Aims and Scope