Editorial Independence

International Journal of Bio Sciences and Chemistry

Editorial Independence

The International Journal of Bio Sciences and Chemistry is committed to maintaining editorial independence, transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the publication process. This policy is informed by relevant guidance and Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.

Editorial decisions should be based on the scientific quality, relevance, originality, integrity, and ethical acceptability of the work. Such decisions should not be improperly influenced by commercial, personal, institutional, or financial interests.

Independence in Editorial Decision-Making

The journal recognizes that the journal, publisher, editors, or affiliated organizations may have interests that could create an actual or perceived conflict. Where an institutional or organizational interest could reasonably affect an editorial decision, the journal will seek to manage the situation in a manner that protects the independence and integrity of the editorial process.

Editorial decisions, including manuscript acceptance or rejection, are made independently of any Article Processing Charge (APC) and are not influenced by an author's ability or willingness to pay.

Editorial decisions should not be made primarily for:

Commercial or financial benefit.
Personal relationships or interests.
Institutional pressure.
Preferential treatment of particular authors, institutions, or research groups.
Other inappropriate considerations unrelated to the scientific and ethical assessment of the work.

Publisher's Role

The publisher supports the journal's editorial and operational functions but should not improperly influence individual editorial decisions. Editorial judgment concerning the acceptance, rejection, or revision of manuscripts rests with the responsible editors and editorial board, in accordance with the journal's policies and peer-review procedures.

The publisher may provide administrative, technical, and publishing support while respecting the distinction between publishing operations and independent editorial judgment.

Editors and Editorial Board Members

Editors and editorial board members must maintain independence, confidentiality, and impartiality when handling manuscripts. An editor should disclose any relevant conflict of interest and, where appropriate, recuse themselves from handling a manuscript if that conflict could reasonably affect their editorial judgment.

This requirement applies to manuscripts involving biological sciences, chemistry, laboratory research, commercial research partnerships, sponsored studies, or other work where personal, institutional, or financial interests could compromise impartial assessment.

Where the Editor-in-Chief submits a manuscript to the journal, that manuscript must be handled independently by another qualified editor or editorial board member. The Editor-in-Chief must not participate in the peer-review or editorial decision-making process for that manuscript.

Managing Conflicts

The journal seeks to protect confidential information while maintaining appropriate transparency in its editorial procedures. Where an actual or potential conflict of interest may affect editorial judgment, the journal will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and independence of the editorial process.

Such steps may include disclosure of relevant interests, reassignment of editorial responsibility, independent assessment, or other measures appropriate to the circumstances.

Specific requirements concerning conflicts of interest are addressed in the Conflict of Interest Policy.

Reconsideration and Appeals

Concerns regarding editorial independence or potential conflicts affecting an editorial decision may be submitted for reconsideration with a clear explanation and any relevant supporting information.

The journal may review the matter and, where appropriate, seek additional information or independent advice from a qualified editor or subject expert. Formal appeals are handled in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a change in the original decision. Any reconsideration will be based on the available evidence, the applicable policies, and the circumstances of the case.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with recognized standards of academic publishing, responsible research, and editorial best practice.

The International Journal of Bio Sciences and Chemistry aims to ensure that all editorial decisions are made fairly, transparently, and independently, with the primary objective of maintaining scientific quality and the integrity of the scholarly record.