Editor Selection Policy

Editor Selection Policy for Axis Community Research Journal (ACRJ)

Objective:
To establish a transparent, equitable, and merit-driven framework for the selection and appointment of all editorial roles at the Axis Community Research Journal (ACRJ). This policy ensures that our editorial leadership exemplifies the highest standards of scholarly integrity, interdisciplinary insight, and a firm commitment to community-engaged research.

Scope:
This policy applies to all editorial appointments, including the Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Section Editors or Editorial Board members with defined manuscript handling responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria:
Prospective editors must demonstrate a compelling alignment with ACRJ's mission. Essential qualifications include:

  • An advanced doctoral degree (Ph.D., DrPH, Sc.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in a discipline relevant to the journal's interdisciplinary scope (e.g., public health, social sciences, community development, applied humanities).

  • A distinguished record of scholarly publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals, with evidence of work that bridges academic inquiry and practical community impact.

  • Substantial and verifiable experience in the peer-review process, preferably including prior editorial or manuscript handling roles for academic journals.

  • An unimpeachable professional reputation for ethical conduct, intellectual rigor, fairness, and collegiality.

  • A clear commitment to the journal's open-access, community-participatory ethos and the ability to dedicate sufficient time to editorial duties.

  • A demonstrated understanding of the ethical complexities and best practices in community-based and participatory research methodologies.

Selection Process:

  1. Public Announcement: Vacant editorial positions will be advertised openly on the ACRJ website, through relevant academic networks, and professional associations to attract a diverse and qualified pool of candidates.

  2. Application Package: Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application including: a) a full curriculum vitae; b) a cover letter detailing their interest and relevant experience; c) a vision statement outlining their strategic goals for the specific editorial role and for advancing ACRJ's mission.

  3. Committee Review: A specially convened Selection Committee—comprising existing senior editors, a representative from the publisher (AXIS EXPLORATION AND ACADEMICS), and at least one external expert—will rigorously evaluate applications against the published eligibility criteria.

  4. Interviews: Short-listed candidates will participate in formal interviews with the Selection Committee to discuss their editorial philosophy, approach to handling conflicts, vision for the journal's development, and commitment to diversity and ethical publishing.

  5. Final Appointment: The Selection Committee's recommendation is presented to the Publisher for final approval. The selected candidate is formally appointed with a clear outline of roles, responsibilities, and terms.

Term and Key Responsibilities:

  • Editors are typically appointed for an initial term of three years, renewable based on a satisfactory performance review. The Editor-in-Chief's term may be stipulated separately.

  • Core responsibilities include: overseeing the double-blind peer-review process for assigned manuscripts; making editorial decisions based on scholarly merit and community relevance; recruiting and managing reviewers; upholding publication ethics; contributing to the journal's strategic development; and representing ACRJ in the academic community.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
All applicants must fully disclose any potential personal, financial, professional, or institutional conflicts of interest that could be perceived as affecting their editorial objectivity. This disclosure is a critical component of the evaluation and will be managed transparently to safeguard the journal's integrity.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
ACRJ is dedicated to building an editorial board that reflects the global and interdisciplinary nature of community-engaged scholarship. We actively seek diversity in geography, gender, career stage, discipline, methodology, and perspective to enrich editorial judgment and ensure a broad, inclusive approach to the research we publish.

Policy Review:
This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Editor-in-Chief and the Publisher to ensure it remains effective, equitable, and aligned with evolving best practices in academic publishing and the strategic direction of the journal.

This comprehensive policy ensures that the Axis Community Research Journal is steered by editors of the highest caliber, whose expertise and values directly support our goal of publishing rigorous, impactful, and ethically sound interdisciplinary research.