Associate Editor

Associate Editors are high-impact researchers and recognized leaders in their field which play the most important role in the journal. Editor-in-Chief delegates the work to them so that they can make an initial assessment to ensure that manuscript is scientifically robust and fits within the scope of the journal. Manuscripts are often assigned to them on the basis of the topic or country of origin. An Associate Editor should have sufficient knowledge in order to ensure that the publication maintains the highest quality while adhering to the journal’s ethical guidelines and publication policies. These editors are active in their specialist fields and are also aware of recent research and developments ongoing in their respective fields.

Prerequisites to join as an Associate Editor

An Associate Editor is responsible to independently judge the manuscript thus, helps in maintaining the quality of the journal. These editors contribute a novel strength to the Editorial Board. An Associate Editor must have:

  • Doctorate degree in the related field of the applied journal.
  • Associate Editor’s expertise should represent the subject areas covered by the journal’s aim and scope.
  • Strong publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals.
  • An academic rank above Associate Professor or equivalent.
  • The Editor should sign a consent form in order to confirm the acceptance of joining the editorial board of the journal

The roles and responsibilities of an Associate Editor

  • Analyzing the manuscript before sending it out for review.
  • Inviting reviewers for the assigned manuscript.
  • Overseeing the interaction between authors and reviewers during the review process.
  • Ensuring all quality, validity, and ethical standards have been met according to the journal guidelines.
  • Provide authors guidance on how to address the reviews.
  • Making suggestions on themed special issues.
  • When in doubt, choose the more severe recommendation.
  • Making the final decision for the manuscript in a timely fashion.
  • Submission of an inaugural article in the first few months of their appointment.
  • Promoting a journal through your networks.
  • Returning unsatisfactory revisions to the authors.
  • Encouraging and inviting relevant manuscript submissions.
  • Advising on journal policy and scope.