CERES recognizes that a responsible scholarly publishing system must promote equal treatment, respect for differences, and broad participation in academic communication. This policy has been developed with reference to internationally recognized principles of diversity and inclusion in scholarly publishing, recommendations issued by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and established principles concerning respectful academic language. Its provisions apply throughout the journal's editorial activities and concern authors, reviewers, editors, and Editorial Board members.

Institutional Commitment

The journal is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which individuals can participate in the publication process without being disadvantaged because of personal, cultural, social, professional, or institutional characteristics. CERES welcomes contributions representing different geographical areas, academic traditions, disciplines, institutions, professional experiences, career stages, and intellectual perspectives.

Diversity is understood by the journal not merely as representation, but as an element that can enrich scientific discussion, broaden perspectives, and contribute to the reliability and relevance of scholarly communication.

Principles Governing Editorial Decisions

The acceptance, rejection, or revision of a manuscript must be determined exclusively by factors relevant to its academic and editorial quality. These factors may include the originality of the contribution, scientific relevance, methodological adequacy, ethical conduct, clarity of presentation, and compatibility with the journal's scope.

No editorial decision may be influenced by characteristics unrelated to the scientific value of the submission. These include, among others, nationality, ethnic or racial background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, health status, political position, institutional affiliation, socioeconomic circumstances, or the language background of the authors.

The same editorial standards and procedures are applied to submissions regardless of the identity or institutional position of their authors.

Representation and Participation in Editorial Activities

CERES seeks to develop editorial and peer-review structures that reflect the international and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary scholarship. When selecting members of its editorial structures and reviewer community, the journal considers opportunities to broaden representation across:

• geographical regions and countries;

• universities, research organizations, and other institutions;

• academic disciplines and areas of expertise;

• different stages of academic careers; and

• scholarly communities that may have limited representation in international publishing.

Particular consideration is given to creating opportunities for qualified early-career scholars and researchers working outside traditionally dominant academic centers.

The journal may periodically examine the composition of its Editorial Board and reviewer network in order to identify areas where greater diversity could strengthen its editorial processes. Where appropriate, measures may be adopted to improve balance and representation.

Equal Opportunities for Authors

CERES considers access to scholarly publication an important component of equitable academic participation. The journal therefore seeks to ensure that financial or institutional circumstances do not unnecessarily prevent researchers from submitting their work.

No submission fee or article processing charge is required for publication. The absence of publication charges applies equally to all authors, and the journal's submission and publication requirements are communicated openly and applied consistently.

Accessible Scholarly Communication

CERES publishes its content through an open-access model and seeks to facilitate access to its articles for readers with different needs and circumstances. Whenever technically feasible, the journal promotes clear document structures, accessible digital presentation, and appropriately organized article information and metadata.

The journal recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing process and aims to improve the usability of its published material as publishing technologies and recognized accessibility practices evolve.

Standards for Respectful Academic Expression

Authors are responsible for ensuring that the terminology used in their manuscripts is appropriate, objective, and respectful. Scientific writing should not reproduce stereotypes, discriminatory assumptions, derogatory descriptions, or language that unnecessarily stigmatizes individuals or groups.

Descriptions of populations included in research must be supported by the study's objectives and methodology and should be presented accurately. Where demographic or social characteristics are relevant to the research, authors should use established terminology and recognized reporting practices. Variables such as sex, gender, race, and ethnicity should be identified and discussed only in ways that are methodologically justified and appropriate to the research context.

The journal expects authors to consider the potential impact of terminology on the dignity and rights of the people and communities represented in their studies.

Protection Against Inappropriate Conduct

Any form of discriminatory treatment, harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or exclusionary conduct is inconsistent with the principles of CERES and will not be accepted within its editorial activities.

Concerns involving such conduct may be communicated confidentially to the Editor-in-Chief through the e-mail. Reports are handled carefully and assessed on their individual circumstances. The journal seeks to protect the confidentiality and legitimate interests of those involved while ensuring that appropriate action is taken.

When necessary, the journal will address such cases according to its Publishing Ethics Policy and applicable COPE recommendations.

Duties of Editors, Reviewers, and Editorial Board Members

Individuals involved in editorial decision-making and peer review are expected to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with authors and with one another. Their assessments must be based on the scholarly content of a manuscript and on the journal's established criteria.

Editors, reviewers, and Editorial Board members must avoid allowing personal opinions, prejudices, professional relationships, institutional interests, or characteristics of authors to affect their evaluation of submitted research.

They are also expected to treat confidential information responsibly and to contribute to an editorial process characterized by impartiality, consistency, dignity, and academic integrity.

Continuous Improvement

CERES understands diversity, equity, and inclusion as continuing responsibilities rather than one-time objectives. The journal will therefore seek to identify opportunities for improvement in its editorial practices and to strengthen an environment in which researchers and other participants in scholarly communication are treated fairly and respectfully.