International Journal of Thorax - Editors Guidelines
Standards for consistent and fair editorial decisions
Core Editorial Responsibilities
Editors ensure International Journal of Thorax publications meet high scientific and ethical standards.
Editorial decisions must be transparent, unbiased, and based on scientific merit in thoracic and respiratory medicine.
Editors select qualified reviewers, synthesize feedback, and issue clear decisions within expected timelines.
Confidentiality and conflict management are essential throughout the review process.
Editors should assess methodological rigor, data transparency, and ethical compliance before acceptance.
When reviewer opinions conflict, editors should provide balanced decisions that reflect evidence strength and limitations.
Editors should verify data availability statements and conflict disclosures before acceptance.
Clear decision letters help authors respond efficiently to reviewer feedback.
Maintain professional tone and fairness in all communications with authors.
Notify the editorial office promptly if conflicts or delays arise.
Editors should assess scope fit and ethical compliance before sending to review.
Select reviewers with relevant expertise and avoid conflicts of interest.
Monitor review timelines and send reminders to keep decisions on schedule.
Provide clear, evidence based decisions that synthesize reviewer input.
Editor Quick View
- Confirm scope fit at screening
- Select qualified, unbiased reviewers
- Manage conflicts of interest
- Provide timely decisions
- Use clear decision letters
- Check ethics and data statements
- Maintain confidentiality
- Document decision rationale
Best Practices
Clear Communication
Provide constructive guidance and next steps for authors.
Ethics First
Escalate concerns promptly to the editorial office.
Quality Control
Confirm methods, statistics, and ethical approvals.
Timely Decisions
Respond within expected timelines to maintain workflow.
Editor Workflow
SnapshotConsistent workflow supports timely decisions.
Quick Table
| Stage | Focus | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Initial check | Scope and ethics | Within days |
| Review selection | Expert match | Avoid conflicts |
| Decision | Clear recommendation | On schedule |
Conflict Management
Editors must declare conflicts and recuse themselves when impartiality is compromised.
Decision Quality
Decisions should synthesize reviewer input and align with journal scope and policies.
Editorial Focus Areas
Reviewer Selection
Invite reviewers with thoracic or respiratory expertise and no conflicts.
Decision Letters
Provide clear, respectful decisions with required revisions.
Documentation
Record rationale for decisions to ensure transparency.
Timely Management
Respond promptly to assignments to keep review cycles on track.
Additional Guidance
Notify the editorial office if availability or conflicts arise.
Join Our Editorial Board
Contribute your expertise to International Journal of Thorax editorial leadership.
Apply Now Learn More
