Template:WikiJournal/Draft of duties of the associate editors

Duties of the associate editors

The full names and affiliations of the Associate editors should be displayed online.

In case of suspected scientific misconduct, associate editors should inform the editor-in-chief or an editorial board member. Unless advised otherwise by the editorial board, the next step for the editor is to seek a response from those suspected of misconduct. If they are not satisfied with the response, they should ask the relevant employers or institution to investigate. When available, it is generally the responsibility of the relevant employers or institution to investigate those suspected of misconduct, and to potentially discipline them and take measures to prevent further misconduct.

In case of transfer of the peer review coordinator task to another person for a particular submission, there should be a handover period with the new and old coordinator working together. The duration of this period should be established in agreement with the editorial board. Acceptance decisions of the previous editor should not be overturned unless there are substantial issues such as plagiarism or data fabrication.

Associate editors must keep the confidentiality of works and author identities unless permission has been granted to disclose such material or information. Associate editors must not retain such works for their personal use.

Further reading

• A Short Guide to Ethical Editing for New Editors, by COPE