Confidentiality and Ethics

At the Journal of Forensic Science and Research (JFSR), editors are entrusted with sensitive information that must be handled with the highest level of integrity. This section outlines the confidentiality obligations and ethical standards that editors must follow to ensure trust, transparency, and fairness throughout the editorial and peer review process.

Confidentiality of Manuscripts

Editors must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents. Information contained in submissions must not be shared with individuals outside the editorial process, except as required for peer review and publication decisions.

• Manuscript details may only be disclosed to reviewers, editorial staff, or advisors directly involved in the decision-making process.
• Information must not be used for personal or professional gain prior to publication.
• Reviewer and author identities must be protected in double-blind peer review settings.

Ethical Handling of Data

Editors must safeguard:

• Research data and unpublished findings.
• Personal information of authors, reviewers, and participants.
• Confidential reviewer comments and recommendations.

Conflict of Interest Management

Communication Ethics

Editors should communicate with authors and reviewers respectfully, transparently, and professionally. Any decision, whether acceptance, revision, or rejection, must be accompanied by constructive feedback.

Responsibilities in Peer Review

• Ensure reviewers adhere to confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
• Protect anonymity in blind peer review when applicable.
• Prevent inappropriate influence over reviewer opinions or author responses.

Corrections and Ethical Oversight

Editors must oversee corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern when ethical breaches are identified in published articles. These must be implemented following COPE guidelines.

Training and Awareness

Editors should undergo regular training on ethical publishing, confidentiality management, and evolving scholarly practices to remain aligned with global standards.

FAQs

What should an editor do if confidentiality is breached?

The breach must be reported to the editorial office immediately, and corrective measures should be taken.

Can editors share manuscripts with colleagues for opinion?

Only with approval and if the colleague is bound by confidentiality agreements.

Are editors allowed to use unpublished ideas from submissions?

No. Editors must not exploit unpublished data for personal or professional use.

Commitment to Confidentiality

Upholding confidentiality is central to maintaining trust in forensic science publishing. Editors at JFSR must adhere to these standards to ensure integrity, fairness, and accountability in scholarly communication.