Editor Guidelines
Standards and responsibilities for JGE associate editors and editorial board members
Core Responsibilities
Associate editors shepherd assigned manuscripts through peer review, including evaluating submissions for scope and quality, identifying qualified reviewers with expertise in CRISPR, gene therapy, synthetic biology, or related areas, synthesizing reviewer feedback, and making informed recommendations.
- Evaluate manuscript scope within 48 hours of assignment
- Identify and invite 3-5 potential reviewers
- Monitor review progress and send reminders as needed
- Synthesize reviewer feedback into coherent recommendations
- Communicate decisions clearly and constructively
Ethical Standards
Editors must maintain strict confidentiality regarding manuscript content and reviewer identities. Any potential conflict of interest should result in recusal. Editors should not use unpublished information for personal advantage. All decisions must be based solely on scientific merit.
Decision Making
Associate editors synthesize reviewer recommendations into editorial decisions. Possible outcomes include acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection. Decisions should reflect the balance of reviewer opinions while exercising editorial judgment on scientific merit applied consistently across submissions.
Decision letters should summarize key points from reviews, explain the rationale for the decision, and provide clear guidance for authors on required revisions. Constructive feedback improves manuscripts and supports author development regardless of outcome.
Reviewer Selection
Identify reviewers based on relevant expertise in CRISPR technologies, gene therapy, synthetic biology, or related areas demonstrated through publications. Consider known conflicts of interest and past review quality. Aim to invite reviewers from diverse institutions and geographic regions to ensure balanced evaluation of genetic engineering research.
When authors suggest or exclude reviewers, consider these requests thoughtfully while maintaining final authority. The goal is securing fair, expert evaluation that serves both authors and scientific integrity.
Timeline: Initial scope decisions within 48 hours. First-round reviews completed within 21 days. Communicate proactively with the editorial office about any delays.
Training resources and guidance from experienced editors support your development as an effective manuscript evaluator. The editorial office provides ongoing support for complex situations requiring nuanced judgment or specialized knowledge in genetic engineering publishing.
Associate editors play a critical role in maintaining JGE quality standards. Your expertise ensures rigorous evaluation of genetic engineering research and supports authors in improving their work through constructive feedback and fair assessment.
Your service to JGE strengthens the peer review process and supports authors in communicating their genetic engineering discoveries effectively to the scientific community.
