Editorial Independence

The Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies (JAFES) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity, transparency, and academic freedom. This policy outlines the principles and safeguards that ensure editorial independence in all aspects of the journal’s operations.

JAFES upholds editorial independence as essential to the integrity and credibility of the journal. The Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board have full authority over the editorial content of the journal, including decisions on which manuscripts to accept, revise, or reject.

Editorial decisions are based on the quality, originality, scientific rigor, relevance, and clarity of the submitted manuscripts, and are not influenced by:

The policies or positions of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies (AFES) or its member societies;
The identity, affiliation, or position of authors, reviewers, or institutions;
Commercial, political, or personal interests;
Pressure from sponsors, advertisers, or organizational stakeholders.

Role of the Publisher and AFES
While JAFES is the official publication of the AFES and supported by its member societies, the publisher or AFES leadership shall not interfere in the evaluation, selection, or editing of individual articles. Their role is limited to ensuring the journal’s operational and financial sustainability, without infringing on editorial decisions.

Conflict of Interest and Transparency
All editors, reviewers, and authors must declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could affect the objectivity of editorial decisions. Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest and delegate such submissions to another qualified editor.

Protection of Editors and Reviewers
Editors and reviewers are protected from undue influence or intimidation from any internal or external party. JAFES will not tolerate attempts to influence editorial decisions and will take appropriate action against any breaches of ethical conduct.

Appeals and Complaints
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals will be considered in accordance with the journal’s appeals policy and handled by an independent editorial member or advisory board, ensuring impartiality and fairness.

Alignment with International Guidelines
This policy is informed by international editorial standards, including those set by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).