IJBMRS Editorial, Advisory & Independent Professionals Network (IPN) Eligibility Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy establishes clear, uniform, and compliance-driven eligibility criteria for appointments to the Editorial Board, Advisory Board, Expert Panels, and the Independent Professionals Network (IPN) of IJBMRS.

The objective is to:

• Preserve academic credibility and governance standards

• Ensure transparency in appointments

• Distinguish between academic and professional engagement pathways

• Maintain alignment with global scholarly publishing norms

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members

• Advisory Board Members

• Expert Panel Members with editorial or academic oversight

• Independent Professionals Network (IPN) Members

This policy supersedes all previous informal or legacy appointment practices following journal mergers, restructuring, or administrative realignment.

3. Editorial Board Eligibility Criteria

Appointment to the Editorial Board requires fulfillment of at least one of the following mandatory conditions:

3.1 Mandatory Academic Requirement

The individual must:

• Hold a PhD, OR

• Be formally affiliated in a teaching or academic capacity with a recognised:

  • School

  • College

  • University

  • Higher education institution

  • Research institution

3.2 Academic Affiliation Requirement

• Affiliation must be current, verifiable, and officially recognised

• Visiting, adjunct, or contractual teaching roles are acceptable if documented

3.3 Ineligibility

Individuals who do not satisfy the above academic requirements shall not be appointed to:

• Editorial Board positions

• Editorial decision-making roles

4. Advisory Board Eligibility Criteria

The Advisory Board serves an academic and strategic guidance function.

4.1 Mandatory Requirement

An individual must:

• Hold a PhD, OR

• Be academically affiliated in a teaching or research capacity with a recognised educational or research institution

4.2 Clarification

• Professional excellence alone, without academic affiliation or PhD qualification, does not qualify for Advisory Board appointment

5. Expert Panels

5.1 Expert Panels with Editorial or Academic Oversight

• Must follow Editorial / Advisory Board eligibility criteria

• Academic qualification or affiliation is mandatory

5.2 Expert Panels without Editorial Authority

• May include domain specialists, subject-matter experts, or practitioners

• Such panels must operate without editorial or peer-review authority

6. Independent Professionals Network (IPN)

6.1 Purpose of IPN

The Independent Professionals Network (IPN) provides a structured platform for collaboration with:

• Industry professionals

• Media practitioners

• Policy consultants

• Independent researchers

• Communication and outreach specialists

6.2 Eligibility

Individuals without:

• A PhD, and

• Formal academic teaching or research affiliation

may be inducted into IPN based on professional merit and experience.

6.3 Limitations

IPN members:

• Shall not hold Editorial Board or Advisory Board titles

• Shall not participate in editorial decision-making or peer review

• May contribute through outreach, communication, policy engagement, and professional advisory roles

7. Transition & Merger Provisions

Following journal mergers or institutional restructuring:

• All existing board and panel appointments are subject to policy revalidation

• Non-compliant designations shall be re-aligned without prejudice

• Alternative placement under IPN may be offered where appropriate

8. Verification & Compliance

IJBMRS reserves the right to:

• Verify academic qualifications and affiliations

• Request supporting documentation

• Amend or revoke appointments found to be non-compliant

Non-compliance may result in removal from boards or reassignment under appropriate categories.

9. Authority & Amendments

This policy is issued under the authority of the Office of the Chairperson, IJBMRS.

IJBMRS reserves the right to amend this policy in accordance with:

• Academic publishing standards

• Regulatory or institutional requirements

• Organisational governance needs