Content area
Abstract
First, we have agreed that Lancet editors (employees who make decisions on content of the journal, which includes those involved in peer review, commissioning, writing, and subediting) should have no direct personal, professional, or financial conflict with any manuscript they might judge, edit, or commission. In practice, editors exclude themselves from any part of the decision-making process (including the alteration of content that is part of subediting) if they have any conflict of interest. For example, if an editor has collaborated with an author, is a friend of an author, or the editor's partner has direct shareholdings in the company that makes the drug under trial, it is wise for another editor to take responsibility for the paper. Second, editors must not use information gained through working with manuscripts for private financial or personal gain. Third, editors should avoid submitting to The Lancet their own reports of original research (articles, mechanisms, or research letters). This policy differs from that of some other journals. If an editor, especially the editor-in-chief, submits a research paper to his or her own journal, it seems to us to be difficult for colleagues to make an unbiased decision about that paper, even if editors exclude themselves from decision making. Contributing editors, and other regular attendees at our weekly meeting where decisions on manuscripts are made, are not excluded from submitting original research, but should exclude themselves from meetings at which their paper is discussed. Household members of editors can submit original research, but the relevant editor should take no part in the decision-making process. Fourth, editors should avoid commissioning commentaries, seminars, reviews, or series from any member of a current editor's household. We consider that these sections, which may be especially influential to prescribers, may also carry weight with tenure or appointment committees, and we recognise the need to avoid perceived or real favouritism. Fifth, Lancet editors should avoid accepting payment for travel, accommodation, hospitality, or gifts from anyone other than their employer. Finally, annual financial disclosure statements will be submitted to the Editor to include all honoraria, payment for travel or expenses, research funding, company ownership, direct shareholdings, or gifts.