Generally, functioning of the journal is overseen by the Editors and the Editorial Board Members, who are the eminent and competent researchers in the field, and contribute by inviting contributions and proposing expert opinions on the suitability of submissions.

Selection Criteria:

The Editorial Board plays an essential role in the progress of the journal. It must be geographically diverse, having members from various regions based on their field of expertise, however, the size of the board may vary from journal to journal.

The Editors and the Editorial Board Members are appointed as per the following criteria:

• Relevance of expertise
• Must have a specific number of publications to their credit
• Eminence as per their posts in key research institutes

Roles and Responsibilities of the Editorial Board:

The Editorial Board consists of the following important positions:

Editor-in-Chief:

The Editor-in-Chief (EiC) is the leading role of the journal and makes major decisions for developing and promoting the journal. The Editor-in-Chief has considerable knowledge and expertise about the editorial activities of the journal, and is greatly involved in all key procedures of publication. The Editor-in-Chief:

• Assesses submissions, keeping in view the aims and scope of the journal.
• Offers suggestions on organizing the publication plan of the journal by adhering to the norms and policies of the journal.
• Maintains the desired standard and quality of the articles, as per the publishing ethics such as cope guidelines, etc.
• Approves the design and structure of the journal.
• Is involved in establishing the editorial team, which includes board members, section editors, associate editors, regional editors, executive guest editors, etc.
• Maintains close coordination with the entire editorial team for smooth functioning of the journals, proper supervision and for regular inflow of the articles.
• Has an insight into the analysis of the journal with the prevailing trends and standards.
• Is involved in the major decision-making process of approval of articles for publication.
• Promotes the journal at relevant events and conferences.
• Suggests/contributes special and themed issues or an article to the journal.

Deputy-Editor-in-Chief:

The Deputy-Editor-in-Chief assists and facilitates the Editor-in-Chief in performing different editorial tasks for the journal, from being equally involved in the peer-reviewing, revision and finalization of articles as well as the selection of the editorial team. The Deputy-Editor-in-Chief is expected to:

• Play a key role in the decisions taken for the journal by the Editor-in-Chief or the publisher.
• Be involved in the overall development and improvement of the journal.

Associate Editors:

An Associate Editor assists the Editor-in-chief in finalizing the manuscripts. An Associate Editor is expected to:

• Contribute one thematic issue in a year.
• Solicit articles/hot topics for the journal.
• Be involved in the overall development and improvement of the journal.
• Developing a comprehensive proposal for a special issue relevant to the section, highlighting its importance and detailing prospective contributors.
• Collaborating with co-editors to effectively organize the special issue and coordinate with authors, ensuring a smooth editorial process.
• Inviting contributors from diverse regions, focusing on those with a proven publication record.

Editorial Board Members:

The Editorial Board is a panel of researchers with expertise in the relevant field. They are appointed by the publishers in consent with the Editor-in-Chief of the journal for a specified term of 2-3 years. Editorial Board Members are involved in:

• Peer-reviewing of the submitted manuscripts as per the policy and scope of the journal.
• Arranging hot topics or theme issues.
• Inviting potential authors and contributing articles themselves.
• Locating peer reviewers for a specific topic and providing a second opinion on papers whenever required.
• Promoting the journal amongst authors, readers, and subscribers, and encouraging colleagues to contribute to the Journal.
• Suggesting competent board members for the journal.