Ethical Guidelines/Policy

Ethical Policy of JN:

The Journal of Nanoscope (JN) follows a comprehensive ethical policy developed in accordance with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. The journal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, transparency, and ethical publishing practices.

Editorial Responsibilities

  • The Editor-in-Chief, with the assistance of Associate Editors, is fully responsible for establishing and maintaining the academic quality and integrity of the journal.

  • The Editor has the complete authority to accept or reject manuscripts at the desk-review stage based on the journal’s scope, publishing standards, ethical policies, quality of content, references, presentation, and language.

  • The Editor ensures that all submitted manuscripts undergo a double-blind peer review process.

  • Every manuscript is subject to a plagiarism check, and the journal strictly follows the HEC Plagiarism Policy.

  • Editorial decisions are made independently, without any institutional, political, or commercial pressure.

  • The Editor ensures the publication of corrigenda, clarifications, or apologies whenever required.

  • Members of the Editorial and Advisory Boards are appointed periodically and serve on an honorary basis without remuneration.

  • The Editor ensures the smooth functioning of the journal and conducts editorial board meetings on a regular basis.

  • Manuscripts are evaluated solely on academic merit, without discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or institutional association.

  • Editors and Associate Editors respond to authors’ queries in a timely and professional manner.

  • Editors and reviewers must disclose any conflict of interest, and individuals with conflicts are excluded from the review process.

  • The confidentiality of submitted manuscripts is strictly maintained throughout the editorial and review process.

HEC ETHICAL POLICY:

As per HEC guidelines, the Editor of a research journal plays an important role in establishing and maintaining professional standards. Publication of a paper in an HEC recognized journal is expected to be a reflection of the quality work of the author (s) and the affiliating institution (if any). The Editor is expected to perform the responsibility towards the journal on its all aspects and at varied stages i.e. from receiving an article to publishing it. Keeping this in view, it becomes the prime responsibility of an editor to adopt the following guidelines while publishing papers in his/her research journal.

The Editor of a research journal should be responsible for:

  • Establishing and maintaining the quality of the journal by publishing quality papers in his/her journal.
  • Promotion of freedom of expression within the cultural, constitutional/legal framework,
  • Providing integrity and credibility of the research contributions,
  • Meeting the needs of authors and readers,
  • Maintaining ethical standards of their journal,
  • Providing a corrigendum for any correction, clarification, and apologies where required.:
  • Encourage new ideas and suggestions of authors, peer reviewers, members of the editorial board, and readers for improving quality of his/her journal,
  • Apply the process of blind peer review in true letter and spirit,
  • Promote innovative findings in the respective field and publishing them on priority,
  • Promote anti-plagiarism policy,
  • Educate contributors (authors) about ethical practices in research, and
  • Implement the journal’s policy without institutional pressure and revise the policy from time to time.

The detailed Ethical Guidelines by HEC are available at the following link: 

https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/faculty/SSAH/Documents/JCR/HEC%20Approved%20Ethical%20Guidelines.pdf

COPE GUIDELINES:

The Journal ensures the implementation of ethical guidelines envisaged by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Journal identifies and resolves the conflict of interest using journal’s policy thereof. A team from the Advisor Board will handle complaints/grievances by authors, reviewers, or any other external and internal party.

 COPE GUIDELINES FOR ACADEMIC PUBLISHING