Editor Selection Policy

Editor Selection and Appointment Policy

Objective
To establish a transparent, rigorous, and merit-based procedure for selecting and appointing all editorial roles for the International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation (IJHR_ORG), ensuring the journal is guided by individuals of the highest academic standing, ethical integrity, and editorial competence.

Scope
This policy applies to the selection of all editorial positions, including but not limited to the Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editors, Academic Editors, and Section Editors.

1. Core Eligibility Criteria
Prospective editors must demonstrably fulfill the following essential qualifications:

  • Academic Credentials: Possess a terminal doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., Sc.D.) in a discipline directly relevant to the journal’s scope in health, rehabilitation, or allied sciences.

  • Scholarly Record: Have a strong and sustained record of high-quality publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals within the journal's field, evidencing scholarly impact and expertise.

  • Editorial Experience: Demonstrate prior and meaningful experience in scholarly publishing, which may include service as a peer reviewer, editorial board member, guest editor, or handling editor for other journals.

  • Professional Reputation: Exhibit an unimpeachable reputation for academic integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct within the scientific community.

  • Commitment and Capacity: Show a clear commitment to dedicating the necessary time and intellectual effort to fulfill the responsibilities of the role effectively.

2. Selection and Appointment Process
The process is designed to be open, competitive, and deliberative:

  • Public Announcement: Vacant editorial positions will be advertised publicly on the journal’s website and through relevant academic and professional networks, inviting both applications and nominations.

  • Application Package: Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive package including:

    • A full curriculum vitae.

    • A cover letter detailing their interest, relevant experience, and vision for the journal or specific editorial section.

    • A statement addressing their approach to publication ethics, diversity, and the challenges in contemporary scholarly publishing.

  • Committee Review: A specially convened Editorial Selection Committee—comprising senior members of the current editorial board, the Publisher (Health And Research), and possibly an independent external expert—will evaluate all applications against the published criteria. The committee will shortlist candidates based on their qualifications, vision, and potential contribution to the journal’s strategic goals.

  • Interview and Deliberation: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (virtual or in-person) with the Selection Committee to discuss their vision, editorial philosophy, and capacity in greater detail.

  • Final Recommendation and Appointment: The Selection Committee will make a formal recommendation to the Publisher. The final appointment is made by the Publisher upon approval of the recommended candidate. All applicants are notified of the outcome.

3. Term of Service and Key Responsibilities

  • Term: Initial appointments are typically for a three-year term. This provides stability while allowing for periodic renewal and infusion of new perspectives.

  • Renewal: Reappointment for subsequent terms is contingent upon a satisfactory performance review, ongoing commitment, and the mutual agreement of the editor and the Publisher.

  • Core Duties: Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Overseeing the peer-review process for assigned manuscripts.

    • Making final editorial decisions based on reviewer recommendations.

    • Upholding and enforcing the journal’s publication ethics policies.

    • Contributing to the journal’s strategic development and scope.

    • Promoting the journal within their professional networks.

4. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
All applicants must fully disclose any potential conflicts of interest—financial, professional, or personal—that could be perceived as affecting their editorial objectivity. This disclosure is a critical component of the evaluation and must be updated throughout their term of service.

5. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
IJHR_ORG is committed to building an editorial board that reflects the diversity of the global health and rehabilitation research community. We actively seek candidates from varied geographic regions, career stages (where appropriate), genders, and backgrounds to ensure a plurality of perspectives and to counter implicit bias in editorial decision-making.

6. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Publisher and the Editor-in-Chief to ensure it remains aligned with best practices in scholarly publishing and continues to serve the journal’s mission effectively. Amendments will be documented and communicated.

This comprehensive policy ensures that IJHR_ORG’s editorial leadership is selected through a process marked by integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, thereby safeguarding the journal's quality and reputation.