The role of editors in the Journal of Radiology and Oncology (JRO) is central to maintaining the journal’s integrity, transparency, and quality. These guidelines provide a framework for editorial decision-making, aligned with COPE and ICMJE standards.

Core Responsibilities of Editors

Oversee the peer review process fairly and objectively.
Ensure timely handling of submissions and communications with authors.
Maintain confidentiality of submitted manuscripts.
Promote ethical publishing practices and detect misconduct.

Editorial Independence

Editors must make publication decisions free from personal, financial, or institutional bias. Decisions should be based solely on the manuscript’s scientific merit and relevance.

Conflict of Interest

Editors must declare any conflict of interest related to submitted manuscripts.
Editors should not handle manuscripts from their own institution, collaborators, or close colleagues.
Submissions with potential conflicts must be reassigned to another editor.

Decision-Making Process

Initial screening for scope, format, and ethical compliance.
Assignment of qualified peer reviewers with subject expertise.
Evaluation of reviewer feedback and final decision-making (accept, revise, reject).
Communicating decisions clearly and respectfully to authors.

Handling Misconduct

Editors are expected to investigate suspected cases of:

Plagiarism, duplicate submission, or redundant publication.
Data fabrication, falsification, or image manipulation.
Unethical research involving humans or animals.

Appropriate action must be taken in consultation with COPE flowcharts and institutional policies.

Transparency and Accountability

Editorial decisions must be documented and auditable.
Appeals from authors should be handled fairly by independent review.
Editors must ensure corrections and retractions are issued when necessary.

Reminder: Editors serve as stewards of academic integrity. Their role is to uphold fairness, ensure quality, and protect the scientific record.

FAQs

Can editors publish in JRO?

Yes, but manuscripts must undergo blind peer review and be handled by independent editors to avoid bias.

How should editors handle disputes?

By following COPE guidance and involving independent oversight when required.

What if an editor suspects misconduct?

The editor must notify the Editor-in-Chief and follow COPE guidelines for investigation.

Editor's Guidelines