The Scientific Publishing Council (hereinafter SPC) is an advisory body that ensures strategic development, maintaining high standards and strengthening the reputation of the publication.

Status of the Scientific Publishing Council

The SPC is the highest collegial body that unites, on a voluntary basis, leading scientists, experts in the journal's subject area, as well as specialists in publishing and scientometry. Unlike the editorial board, which deals with the operational management of the review and selection process of articles, the NIS focuses on strategic development and long-term planning.

Key characteristics of SPC status:

Advisory and advisory nature:  the decisions of the SPC are advisory in nature to the editor-in-chief and the editorial board. SPC decisions, their authority and validity make them practically mandatory for consideration.
High scientific authority:  SPC members are recognized leaders in their fields with significant experience in publishing and a deep understanding of current scientific trends.
Independence:  SPC is as independent as possible from the commercial interests of the publisher and the personal preferences of the editor-in-chief, ensures objectivity and impartiality in its decisions.
Representation of a wide range of experts:  the composition of the SPC reflects the diversity of scientific fields, geographical regions and research schools, which contributes to the relevance of the journal.

Tasks of the Scientific Publishing Council

The objectives of the SPC cover a wide range of activities aimed at improving the quality, visibility and credibility of a scientific journal.
Definition and adjustment of editorial policy:
Development and approval of the mission, goals and thematic profile of the journal.
Regular analysis and adjustment of editorial policy in accordance with current scientific trends and requirements of international databases.
Identification of priority areas for attracting articles.
Strategic development of the journal:
Development of long-term development plans, including expanding the geography of authors and readers, indexing in Russian and international databases (Scopus, Web of Science, etc.).
Search for and attract new members to the editorial board and the pool of reviewers.
Initiating the creation of special issues, thematic sections and the organization of scientific conferences.
Quality control and ethics of publications:
Monitoring of compliance with ethical principles of publications (prevention of plagiarism, falsification of data, conflict of interests).
Development and implementation of peer review standards.
Review controversial cases related to the ethics of publications and make recommendations for their resolution.
Increasing the scientific authority and visibility of the journal:
Advising on the promotion of the journal in the scientific community.
Participation in the formation of the magazine's image on external platforms.
Attracting leading scientists for publication in the journal.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the journal:
Analysis of statistical data on publication activity, citation, indexing.
Assessment of the journal's compliance with international quality standards. 
Developing recommendations for improving the journal's performance.
Development of publishing activities:
Advising on publication formats and the use of modern technologies.
Assessment of the feasibility of introducing new services for authors and readers.

Rights of members of the Scientific Publishing Council

In order to effectively fulfill their tasks, the members of the Scientific Publishing Council are given certain rights that allow them to influence the development of the journal.

The right to initiate changes:  SPC has the right to propose and initiate changes to the editorial policy, the structure of the journal, and the rules for authors and reviewers.
The right to receive information:  SPC members have the right to request from the editor-in-Chief and the editorial board information necessary for the performance of their functions, including statistical data, review reports, information on conflicts of interest.
The right to participate in key decision-making: SPC participates in the discussion and decision-making on strategically important issues, such as the approval of a new editorial policy, the selection of new members of the editorial board, and the definition of the journal's development directions.
The right to make recommendations:  The basic right of the SPC is to make recommendations to the editor–in-chief and the editorial board on all issues within their competence. These recommendations, as a rule, have high weight and are taken into account when making final decisions.
The right to conduct an expert examination:  SPC may conduct an independent expert examination of individual articles or groups of articles in case of disputes or doubts about their quality and ethics.
The right to recommend candidates: SPC may recommend candidates for the appointment of the editor-in-chief, members of the editorial board, as well as experts to participate in the work of the council.

Duties of members of the Scientific Publishing Council

Along with their rights, members of the Scientific and Publishing Council are given responsibilities that define their role and responsibility.

Active participation in SPC activities:  SPC members are required to express their opinions in a timely manner and participate in decision-making.
Objectivity and impartiality: When considering any issues, NIS members are required to exercise objectivity, impartiality and avoid personal or professional conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality:  information discussed in the SPC, as well as materials provided for examination, must remain confidential.
Expert assessment:  SPC members are responsible for the quality and validity of their expert assessments and recommendations.
Compliance with ethical standards:  SPC members should be an example of compliance with high ethical standards of scientific activity and publication ethics.
Professional development:  SPC members should be aware of the latest trends in their scientific field, as well as in the field of scientometry and publishing, so that their recommendations are relevant and effective.
Journal Promotion:  SPC members are required to promote the journal in the scientific community by involving leading scientists in collaboration and spreading information about the journal at conferences and other scientific events.
Monitoring the implementation of recommendations:  SPC should monitor how the editor-in-chief and the editorial board take into account and implement his recommendations, and, if necessary, initiate a re-discussion or adjustment of plans.
Maintaining the high level of the journal:  the main responsibility of the SPC is the constant striving to maintain and improve the scientific level of the journal, its relevance and significance for the domestic and global scientific community.

Interaction of the Scientific Publishing Council with other editorial structures

The effectiveness of the SPC depends on its interaction with other key editorial structures:
with the editor-in-chief:  the editor-in-chief is the link between the SPC and the editorial board. He provides NIS with free-form reports on the journal's activities, requests recommendations and informs about the decisions taken. In turn, SPC provides strategic support and advice to the editor-in-chief.
with the Editorial Board:  SPC defines the general framework and principles in which the editorial board operates. The Editorial Board carries out operational activities for the selection, review and publication of articles in accordance with the policy developed with the participation of SPC.
with the publisher:  SPC can interact with the publisher on organizational and technical issues, journal promotion, and compliance with publishing standards.