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Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging

Published by SPJ Publication

eISSN: 3048-5568

Editor Guidelines

Overview

Welcome to the editorial team of the Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging (IJMI), published by SPJ Publications. As an editor, you play a fundamental role in advancing our mission to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed, and open-access research that shapes the future of medical imaging. These guidelines outline your responsibilities and provide a framework for consistent, ethical, and professional editorial practice.

Role and Scope of the Editor

Editors are entrusted with stewarding manuscripts through the entire publication journey—from initial submission to final decision. Your primary objective is to uphold the scientific quality, integrity, and relevance of every article published in IJMI. This involves applying consistent editorial standards, ensuring fair and unbiased evaluation, and protecting the credibility of the journal.

Editorial Assessment and Manuscript Triage

As the first point of review, editors evaluate each submission for its suitability. Consider the following before sending a manuscript for peer review:

  • Does the topic align with the scope of IJMI?

  • Is the research original and scientifically sound?

  • Are the methods appropriate and clearly described?

  • Is the manuscript formatted according to our author guidelines?

Manuscripts that do not meet basic criteria may be returned to authors for corrections or declined at this stage. Clear, timely communication with authors is essential.

Managing the Peer Review Process

IJMI employs a double-blind peer review system to ensure impartiality. Your responsibilities include:

  • Selecting reviewers with relevant expertise who have no conflict of interest.
  • Ensuring reviewers receive clear instructions and sufficient time (typically 2–3 weeks).
  • Monitoring review progress and sending courteous reminders as needed.
  • Safeguarding the anonymity of both authors and reviewers throughout the process.

Making Editorial Decisions

After receiving reviewer feedback, carefully evaluate the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. Editorial decisions should be grounded in scholarly merit and the reviewers’ insights. Use the following decision categories to communicate clearly with authors:

 
Decision Meaning & Required Action
Accept as is The manuscript meets all criteria and is ready for publication.
Accept after minor revisions Only small clarifications or corrections are needed. Authors should resubmit within 5–7 days.
Reconsider after major revisions Substantive revisions are required. The revised manuscript will be re-evaluated, possibly with additional review.
Reject with encouragement to resubmit The topic is of interest, but significant reworking is needed. Authors may submit a new version in the future.
Reject The manuscript does not meet the journal's standards or falls outside its scope.

Ethical Oversight and Integrity

You are a guardian of research ethics. Remain vigilant for issues such as:

  • Plagiarism or text duplication

  • Data fabrication or falsification

  • Unethical research involving human or animal subjects

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest

  • Duplicate or overlapping publication

If misconduct is suspected, follow COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and consult the Editor-in-Chief for further action. All correspondence and manuscript details must remain confidential.

Communication with Authors and Reviewers

Maintain respectful, constructive, and professional communication at all stages. Whether providing revision instructions or delivering a rejection, your feedback should be clear, supportive, and aimed at strengthening scholarly work. Timely responses help build trust and enhance the author’s experience.

Commitment to Open Science

As an open-access journal, IJMI is dedicated to making research widely accessible. Support authors in meeting open science standards, including data sharing where appropriate. Stay informed on evolving best practices in transparent reporting, preprinting, and ethical publishing.

Confidentiality and Impartiality

All submissions are confidential. Do not discuss manuscripts outside the editorial team or use unpublished information for personal advantage. Decisions must be based solely on academic quality, free from influence related to nationality, institution, gender, or commercial interests.

Continuing Professional Development

We encourage editors to engage in ongoing learning through webinars, workshops, and editorial networks. SPJ Publications may provide training on peer review management, ethics, and journal policies to support your growth and effectiveness in the role.

Your editorial leadership is vital to the success and reputation of the Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging. By adhering to these guidelines, you help ensure that IJMI remains a trusted and impactful platform for researchers, clinicians, and imaging professionals worldwide. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in scholarly publishing.

For questions or clarification, please contact the Editor-in-Chief at editor@spjinternational.co.

Last Updated on: 11/12/2025