Governance Policy

Naturae has instituted a comprehensive Governance Policy to ensure the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in its editorial administration. This policy is predicated upon clearly articulated decision-making protocols, a systematic allocation of responsibilities, and an unwavering commitment to both scientific rigor and institutional integrity.

The governance framework is delineated through distinct editorial roles. The Editor-in-Chief bears ultimate responsibility for the oversight of all editorial functions, safeguarding the scientific quality and integrity of the journal’s content while aligning editorial practices with overarching strategic imperatives. This position encompasses the coordination of the publication process and the cultivation of strategic partnerships with academic and institutional stakeholders. The Editor-in-Chief is supported by an Editorial Committee comprising multidisciplinary scholars who provide expert counsel on thematic priorities, assist in refining evaluative criteria, and contribute to the journal’s scholarly advancement. Associate Editors operate under the guidance of the Editor-in-Chief, assuming responsibility for the management of manuscript reviews within their respective domains, including the selection of peer reviewers, execution of technical assessments, and maintenance of stringent scientific and ethical standards. The journal further engages ad hoc reviewers (external experts) commissioned to conduct independent evaluations predicated on rigorous academic standards. The peer review mechanism is conducted under a double-blind model to preserve anonymity and impartiality throughout the review process. An internal Editorial Team is charged with managing author communications, overseeing the editorial workflow, administering revisions, and ensuring the meticulous and efficient progression of manuscripts through all editorial stages.

The governance model is underpinned by fundamental principles, namely:

• Transparency, manifested through the clear articulation and justification of editorial decisions grounded in established scientific standards;

• Accountability, ensured via the equitable distribution of responsibilities across all editorial participants to uphold the journal’s integrity and excellence;

• Independence, maintained by safeguarding editorial deliberations from undue influence by external entities, including sponsors and affiliated organizations;

• Ethical Conduct and Integrity, mandating strict adherence by all editorial actors to recognized guidelines for scientific publishing, consistent with the directives of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE);

• Inclusivity and Diversity, committed to fostering a broad and representative editorial composition encompassing varied geographic regions, institutional affiliations, disciplinary perspectives, and gender identities.

To preserve the efficacy and contemporaneity of the governance framework, systematic periodic reviews are conducted. Amendments to the governance structure or changes in editorial board membership are documented transparently and disseminated via the journal’s official website, thereby reaffirming Naturae’s dedication to openness and continual refinement.