Conflicts of Interest

Optica Publishing Group defines a conflict of interest as arising from any relationship authors, reviewers, or editors have that interferes with, or could reasonably be perceived as interfering with, the full and objective presentation, peer review, editorial decision-making, or publication of a manuscript. Conflicts of interest can be financial or non-financial, professional or personal, and can arise in relation to an organization or an individual.

While financial relationships often represent the most obvious conflicts, there are others you should consider before you agree to an invitation to review:

• Personal relationships or rivalries
• Academic competition
• Intellectual beliefs (such as an inherent bias against the author’s approach)
• Conflicting or competing research in which you’re taking part

The Conflicts of Interest Policy is mandatory for all journals. As a reviewer, you should also read the policy at review-general-policies, particularly the Obligations of Reviewers.  If you have any questions about potential conflicts, you can contact the editors for advice.