Editorial Board Selection Policy
Editorial Board Selection and Appointment Policy
Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences (AJMBS)
1.0 Policy Objective
The primary objective of this policy is to establish a clear, transparent, and merit-based framework for the identification, selection, and appointment of all editorial board members for the Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences (AJMBS), published by Axis Academics Limited (UK). This process is designed to ensure that our editorial leadership comprises distinguished individuals who embody the highest standards of academic excellence, ethical integrity, and professional dedication, thereby safeguarding the journal's quality and reputation within the interdisciplinary fields of medical sciences, biological sciences, and social determinants of health and human behaviour.
2.0 Scope and Applicability
This policy applies to the selection and appointment of all editorial roles within AJMBS, including but not limited to:
Editor-in-Chief
Associate Editors
Section Editors (e.g., Medical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biosocial Determinants)
Members of the Editorial Advisory Board
3.0 Core Eligibility and Qualification Criteria
Prospective editors are expected to fulfill the following essential criteria to be considered for a role within AJMBS:
Academic Credentials: Possession of a terminal advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., D.Sc., M.D., M.B.B.S., Dr.P.H.) in a field directly relevant to medical sciences, biological sciences, public health, epidemiology, sociology, psychology, or a related biosocial discipline.
Scholarly Expertise: A demonstrated, strong, and sustained record of high-quality research and scholarly publication in reputable, peer-reviewed journals within their discipline, with a focus on topics relevant to the journal's scope.
Editorial Experience: Proven experience in academic publishing, which may include prior roles as an editor, guest editor, associate editor, or extensive, high-level peer review for reputable journals in medical or biosocial fields.
Professional Reputation: An international or national reputation for scholarly integrity, objectivity, fairness, ethical conduct, and adherence to ICMJE Recommendations and COPE guidelines within the academic community.
Commitment and Availability: A demonstrated ability and commitment to dedicate the necessary time and effort to fulfill the responsibilities of the editorial role effectively and in a timely manner, including prompt handling of submissions and responsiveness to editorial office communications.
4.0 The Selection and Appointment Process
The process for selecting editors is designed to be rigorous, fair, and inclusive, reflecting the journal's commitment to transparency and excellence:
Public Announcement: Vacant editorial positions will be publicly advertised through the journal's website (https://axisjmbs.com/), relevant academic networks, professional associations (e.g., medical, biological, and social science societies), and social media channels (e.g., LinkedIn, X) to attract a global pool of qualified candidates.
Application and Nomination: The journal welcomes both self-nominations (applications) and nominations of other qualified individuals. A complete application package typically includes:
A full and current curriculum vitae.
A letter of interest outlining the candidate's qualifications and motivation.
A brief vision statement (500–1,000 words) describing the candidate's perspective on the future direction of the journal and their potential contribution to its growth within the medical and biosocial sciences.
Committee Review: A specially convened Search Committee, comprising existing senior editorial board members and, where appropriate, external subject matter experts, will confidentially review all applications against the stated eligibility criteria. The committee aims to complete initial reviews within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline.
Interview Stage: Short-listed candidates may be invited for an interview (conducted virtually via video conference) with the Search Committee. This stage assesses the candidate's vision, strategic thinking, communication skills, and alignment with the journal's ethos, goals, and commitment to double-blind peer review.
Final Appointment: The Search Committee's recommendations are presented to the journal's publisher (Axis Academics Limited, UK) for final review and official appointment. Successful candidates are issued a formal letter of appointment outlining their roles, responsibilities, term, and reporting structure.
5.0 Term of Service and Reappointment
Editorial appointments to AJMBS are typically made for a term of three (3) years.
Service may be renewed for subsequent terms based upon a satisfactory performance review, which assesses diligence, timeliness of editorial decisions, responsiveness, contribution to journal development, and adherence to ethical standards. There is no automatic right to reappointment.
Performance reviews are conducted annually by the Editor-in-Chief, with a comprehensive review prior to term renewal.
6.0 Conflict of Interest Disclosure
All applicants must fully disclose any personal, professional, financial, or institutional conflicts of interest that could be perceived as influencing their editorial judgment, in alignment with the journal's Conflict of Interest Policy. The disclosure is a mandatory part of the application process and is a critical factor in the selection committee's evaluation to preserve the journal's integrity. Appointed editors must also update their disclosures annually.
7.0 Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Global Representation
AJMBS is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its editorial leadership. We actively strive to build an editorial board that reflects a broad spectrum of:
Expertise: Covering the full range of medical, biological, and biosocial disciplines.
Geographic Representation: Including scholars from low-, middle-, and high-income countries across all continents.
Gender Identity and Expression: Ensuring balanced gender representation.
Ethnicity and Cultural Background: Reflecting the diversity of the global research community.
Career Stage: Including both established senior researchers and promising early- to mid-career scholars.
This diversity enriches the journal's perspective and intellectual discourse, ensuring that AJMBS remains responsive to the needs of a global audience.
8.0 Policy Review
This Editorial Board Selection and Appointment Policy is subject to a periodic review (biannually, or every two years) to ensure it remains aligned with best practices in academic publishing, ICMJE Recommendations, and COPE guidelines, and continues to effectively serve the strategic needs of AJMBS. Amendments will be approved by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the editorial board and the publisher (Axis Academics Limited, UK).