editor guidelines

Editors play a pivotal role in ensuring the scientific quality, integrity, and relevance of content published in Mycological Spectrum. As stewards of the peer review process, editors are entrusted with upholding the journal’s editorial standards, supporting ethical research, and fostering an inclusive and rigorous scholarly environment. The following guidelines outline the responsibilities and expectations of editors at Mycological Spectrum.

The primary responsibility of an editor is to oversee the peer review process for submitted manuscripts. This includes assigning suitable reviewers, monitoring the progress of the review, and making well-informed editorial decisions based on reviewer feedback, the quality of the manuscript, and its alignment with the journal’s scope and standards.

Editors must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all aspects of the manuscripts they handle. Details about a submission should only be shared with individuals directly involved in the editorial or peer review process. Under no circumstances should confidential information be used for personal or professional advantage.

In cases where an editor has a real or perceived conflict of interest—whether personal, financial, academic, or institutional—they should promptly recuse themselves from managing that manuscript. Maintaining transparency and impartiality is critical to preserving trust in the editorial process.

Editors are expected to ensure that all manuscripts receive a fair and unbiased review. Editorial decisions should be made objectively, without consideration of the authors’ identity, affiliation, nationality, or other non-scientific factors. The merit of the work and its contribution to the field of mycology should guide all editorial judgments.

When concerns are raised about published content, editors should act in accordance with established publishing ethics. This includes coordinating the publication of corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions when warranted, in consultation with the editorial board and in line with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

Ethical oversight is a core editorial responsibility. Editors must verify that studies involving human participants or animals include appropriate ethical approval and comply with recognized standards for research ethics and reporting.

Editors are also encouraged to foster a culture of mentorship within the editorial team. Sharing expertise, guiding new editors, and contributing to a collaborative and collegial working environment are essential to maintaining a strong editorial board.

Finally, editors should actively participate in the continuous improvement of the journal’s editorial practices. This includes attending editorial board meetings, contributing to strategic discussions, and engaging in professional development opportunities that enhance editorial skills and awareness of evolving best practices.

These guidelines may evolve as Mycological Spectrum grows and adapts to meet the changing needs of the mycological research community. We are grateful for your dedication and contributions, and we look forward to working with you to advance the journal’s mission and the global understanding of fungal biology.