Research and Development

Introduction

The R&D Department of Galenos Publishing House is not merely an internal quality control unit; it is also a center that safeguards customer satisfaction, international reputation, and the sustainability of long-term publishing strategies. The department creates direct value for stakeholders such as editorial boards, universities, researchers, and academic institutions.

Through structural analyses tailored to each journal, both publishing performance and visibility are enhanced. This approach not only responds to the evolving needs of scientific communication but also provides strategic guidance that builds the future of publishing today.

Mission and Strategic Position

Led by İnan Bayar, Yahya Sayık, and Setenay Yılmaz, the R&D Team simultaneously manages institutional compliance and innovation in academic publishing. Its main responsibilities include:

• Preparing complete index application files (SCIE, Scopus, DOAJ, TR Dizin, PubMed Central, etc.)

• Updating policy documents and guidelines in line with international standards

• Coordinating with editorial boards and managing orientation processes

• Analyzing publishing data and converting it into reports and client presentations

• Systematically interpreting feedback and implementing improvements

International Index Compliance Processes

The R&D Team does not merely prepare index applications; it also analyzes feedback from indexing bodies to create customized roadmaps for each journal. These strategies are shared with the respective Editors-in-Chief and translated into actionable steps. The key activities include:

• Regular monitoring of index criteria

• Preparing journal-specific situation analyses

• Reporting article types, publication frequency, citation statistics, and international contribution rates

• Developing detailed analysis and revision strategies for rejected applications

• Conducting professional communication with indexing bodies (emails, meetings, document submissions)

This process is not only about obtaining acceptance; it also aims to raise editorial awareness of publishing standards, provide long-term quality-focused planning, and ensure sustainability in indexing.

Publishing Policies and International Standards

A journal’s success is measured not only by the quality of its content but also by the strength of its policies. The R&D Team regularly updates the following policy documents for all journals:

• Ethics Committee Approval, Patient Consent, and Animal Experimentation Documents

• Open Science and Data Sharing Policy

• Conflict of Interest Statement

• Copyright Transfer and Creative Commons Licensing Agreements

• Artificial Intelligence Usage Disclosure Procedure

• Retraction, Correction, and Expression of Concern Procedures

These documents are prepared not only to meet indexing requirements but also to reinforce transparency, trust, and professionalism. All policies are published in both Turkish and English to ensure readiness for international audits.

Performance Analysis and Monitoring of Publishing Data

The R&D Department produces annual reports analyzing the publishing performance and index visibility of each journal. These reports are shared with Editors-in-Chief and advisory boards. Key metrics include:

• Distribution of article types

• Citation rate per publication (impact on JIF)

• Ratio of international contributions

• Editorial decision timelines and reviewer response rates

• Self-citation ratios and citation quality

Editorial Coordination and Publishing Training

The R&D Team not only provides technical guidance to editors but also helps them develop a broader publishing vision. Within this scope:

• Regular editor orientation meetings are organized throughout the year

• Presentations are prepared on index criteria, COPE updates, and publishing trends

• Guidance documents are shared on editorial roles (handling editor, section editor, reviewer responsibilities)

• Reports are provided on areas of journal websites that need updating for index compliance

Rejection Processes and Alternative Submission Management

A rejected application is not the end of the process but the beginning of a new strategy. The R&D Team treats rejection letters as opportunities for improvement, and the process includes:

• Developing strategies for each feedback item

• Planning content adjustments and citation improvements

• Creating revision-oriented action plans together with editors

This approach both enhances editor motivation and increases the likelihood of success in resubmissions.

Innovations, Trends, and Future Vision

Publishing is undergoing rapid transformation, and the R&D Team is positioned at the forefront of this change. The team closely monitors and develops strategies in areas such as:

• Open peer review models

• Preprint platforms

• AI-assisted content creation

• Dataset referencing and the “data journal” concept

• Ethically focused open-source tools (e.g., AI-based plagiarism detection)

In these areas, the R&D Team is responsible for defining Galenos’ strategic position, raising awareness among editors and authors, and developing implementation plans.