Guide for editors and reviewers

Chief editors

Chief editors define the journal scope, appoint the editorial board, and are responsible for the overall quality and integrity of what the journal publishes.

Associate editors

Associate editors handle individual manuscripts: they screen submissions, invite reviewers, assess reports and make a reasoned recommendation. Editors must decline any manuscript where they have a conflict of interest.

Reviewers

Reviewers provide a constructive, evidence-based assessment within the agreed timeframe. Reviews are confidential, and manuscripts must not be shared or used for any other purpose.

Our editorial principles

• Decisions are based on scientific merit, not on the authors' identity or institution.
• Every decision is documented and explained to the authors.
• Editors and reviewers declare competing interests before handling a manuscript.