Associate editors act on delegated authority from the Editor-in-Chief. Each assignment should match the editor’s expertise and be free from conflicts. Associate editors are expected to make independent recommendations based on the manuscript, external reports and journal policy.

Expected responsibilities

• Conduct or confirm initial scope and quality screening.
• Select independent reviewers with appropriate methodological and subject expertise.
• Evaluate reports critically rather than counting recommendations mechanically.
• Write clear decision letters and assess revised manuscripts and response documents.
• Identify potential integrity concerns and escalate them confidentially.
• Contribute to reviewer development, policy review and special-issue oversight when assigned.

Named appointments will be listed here when available. For enquiries, please contact the Editorial Office.