EICs

EiCs, short for editors-in-chief, are the senior editorial leaders of a publication, responsible for its overall editorial vision, standards, and integrity. They oversee editorial policy, scope, and priorities, and act as the final arbiter on decisions relating to content. In many journals, magazines, and online platforms, the EiC supervises the editorial staff and coordination with peer reviewers, authors, and production teams.

Key duties include setting and communicating editorial standards; approving or rejecting manuscripts; guiding the peer‑review process; establishing conflict‑of‑interest policies; and ensuring ethical practices such as handling corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern. The EiC also represents the publication to the public, funders, and the scholarly community, and guides strategic initiatives like open access or data policy, in line with the publisher's framework.

Selection and governance: EiCs are usually appointed by the publisher or the publication's governing editorial board and are often academics or professionals with substantial editorial experience. Terms vary; some are fixed terms of several years, sometimes renewable, and in some cases multiple editors‑in‑chief share leadership. They must remain independent of inappropriate influence and disclose conflicts of interest.

Relationship and accountability: the EiC works with associate editors or editors, staff, and the publisher to manage workflows, deadlines, and quality control. They are ultimately accountable for the publication's content and reputation, including handling appeals, corrections, and retractions as needed.