Scholar Seek ·Editorial Board RecruitmentEditorial Board Recruitment Services
Scholar Seek is now recruiting its global editorial board: multi-country coverage, interdisciplinary expertise, verifiable credentials, and full confidentiality.
Service Definition
The internationalization of an academic journal depends primarily on the editorial board's ability to integrate academic resources globally.
Scholar Seek's overseas editorial board recruitment service, offered by Belt and Road Ltd., UK—a registered independent UK publisher—addresses four key challenges for Chinese journals: slow recruitment, difficult selection, unverified credentials, and high costs. It delivers a standardized solution with multidisciplinary coverage and multi-region matching, typically completed in 10 business days (approximately 14 calendar days).
This service offers standardized advisory and recruitment support for international editorial boards of Chinese academic journals. It includes needs assessment, targeted matching with global scholars, verification of qualifications and credentials, authorized outreach, appointment facilitation, and onboarding confirmation—typically completed within 10 working days.
Service executor
Belt and Road Ltd, UK (an independently registered UK publisher)
Contracting and collection entity
Beijing Guoren Kechuang Technology Co., Ltd.
Cooperation Basis
All collaborations are governed by a formal written service agreement with clearly defined responsibilities and a complete, traceable record.
Fits
- 01
Newly launched journals
Need to quickly establish an international editorial board framework.
- 02
Journals seeking indexing
Need to appoint international board members and enhance the board structure quickly.
- 03
Established journals
Refine board seniority and enhance international reach; suitable for Chinese and English journals, specialist publications, and general-interest titles.
Four Core Challenges in Journal Internationalization
Addressing four key challenges for Chinese journals—slow board recruitment, difficult selection, hard-to-verify credentials, and high costs—with a standardized solution spanning multiple disciplines and regions. Typically delivered in about 10 working days (approximately 14 calendar days).
Pain point 1: Internationalization is mandatory; building it in-house takes too long.
International database indexing and impact evaluations often use the proportion of international editorial board members as a key metric. Due to limited access to overseas resources, most journals struggle to recruit qualified international board members quickly, hindering their progress toward internationalization.
Pain point 2: limited overseas resources and inefficient self-recruitment
Domestic editorial offices typically lack stable overseas academic channels. Cross-language and cross-time-zone communication is costly, response rates are low, and progress is often minimal even after months of effort.
Pain point 3: inconsistent service quality and hard-to-manage credential risk
Some providers attract clients with low prices or misrepresent scholar identities and titles. This approach neither supports journal development nor mitigates academic integrity and compliance risks.
Pain point 4: unclear seniority, limited practical impact
Some services aim solely to fill headcount without rigorously verifying rank and academic qualifications. Nominal members who do not perform duties cannot review or commission work, nor pass database credential checks.
Core Reference for Global Indexing: Editorial Board Evaluation Criteria
International board configuration is a key assessment criterion in many national database review systems. The content below is compiled from public sources and industry experience for reference only and does not constitute a commitment regarding review standards or indexing outcomes.
An international editorial board is a key criterion in many national databases' review systems. The following information is compiled from public sources and industry experience for reference only and does not constitute a commitment regarding database review standards or indexing outcomes. Database and institution names are used solely to illustrate review criteria; there is no cooperation with or authorization from the relevant institutions, and all trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Web of Science (SCIE/SSCI/A&HCI)
According to public information, Clarivate considers the international diversity and academic authority of the editorial board as a key component of its International Influence assessment.
- Based on industry standards, we recommend that international board members comprise at least 30–40% of the total. Members must demonstrate active academic contributions and maintain a public scholarly record; individuals serving in name only without substantive academic work are unlikely to be approved.
- A purely domestic editorial board may be considered a regional journal, which significantly hinders initial screening for core databases such as SCIE and SSCI.
Scopus (Elsevier)
According to public information, Scopus includes the editorial board's international composition in its Journal Quality and Governance assessment module.
- Based on industry experience, international board members should in principle represent three or more countries or regions, with a recommended minimum share of 25%.
- Board members must align closely with the journal's discipline, possess peer-review experience, and demonstrate sustained academic output. A lack of international members or a low proportion directly reduces scores in the International Academic Recognition assessment.
PubMed / PubMed Central (PMC)
As authoritative biomedical search platforms, the international representation of the editorial board is a key indicator of a journal's global standing.
- Board members must be active researchers in the relevant field with peer-review expertise.
- Applications for international indexing require a specified proportion of international board members. Member information must be publicly accessible and authentic; the platform may verify it through cross-checks.
DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)
A widely recognized international index of open access journals, where editorial board diversity across countries is a key indicator of academic standards.
- The editorial board must have an international composition, with members from academic institutions across different countries or regions, to ensure academic quality and a global perspective.
- Member information must be fully public (institution, title, research focus, and academic homepage). A board composed solely of domestic members significantly negatively impacts DOAJ admission review.
Ei Compendex (Engineering Index)
A core indexing database in engineering and technology, emphasizing the editorial board's industry authority and international representation.
- The board should include experts from universities, research institutions, and industry across multiple countries, with the international representation aligned with the journal's global positioning.
- Members must have senior research experience in the relevant engineering field to support topic oversight and quality review.
Important Note
Important Note: A highly concentrated national composition of the editorial board conflicts with an international journal's positioning. If a journal claims to be international but more than 70% of its board members are from the same country—even a research powerhouse—it may be classified as regional, negatively impacting indexing in SCIE and other top-tier databases. The core goal of international board recruitment is to ensure a genuine, verifiable multinational composition.
A well-structured international editorial board is vital for journal globalization. Scholar Seek provides an end-to-end solution to address the above assessment dimensions.
Six Core Benefits of Scholar Seek
Global network
Coverage spans most countries and regions in Europe, North America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, connecting with active scholars and meeting regional diversity requirements for our databases.
Multi-disciplinary coverage
Coverage spans medicine and health, industrial technology, chemistry and materials science, life sciences, earth sciences, agricultural sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, environmental and safety sciences, and humanities and social sciences. We support general, specialist, and Chinese/English journals with targeted matching across subfields.
Four-level verification, traceable information
A four-level verification covers institutional identity, academic rank, research output, and research direction. Delivered scholars include official institutional profiles, ORCID, and Google Scholar links for independent verification, reducing the risk of false identities or inflated ranks.
Outcome-focused after-sales support
Outcome-based service with acceptance criteria and rules defined in the agreement. Shortfalls are refunded per the agreed proportion and method. A three-month guarantee applies: within three months of acceptance, if a member resigns voluntarily, we provide one free replacement at the same rank and standard per member.
Fast delivery, fully online
A standardized workflow typically delivers in approximately 10 business days. Briefing, proposal confirmation, agreement signing, progress updates, and delivery are all completed online—no in-person meetings or travel required.
Full confidentiality and information security
Editorial board recruitment channels are internal journal operations information. Except when disclosing to candidate scholars as part of service delivery, with your written consent, or as required by law, we will not share the client journal's name or cooperation details with any third party, will not publicize client cases in any form, and will keep all communication records and deliverables strictly confidential.
Scholar Levels
Based on major global university ranking systems, we categorize scholars into the following levels, contingent on their official appointment at their institution.
Standard international board member
Serving Lecturer, Assistant Professor, or equivalent and above
Serving scholars with formal academic credentials and peer-review experience to conduct reviews and provide expert guidance.
Senior international board member
Serving Associate Professor, Associate Researcher, or equivalent and above
Sustained research focus with international academic impact, driving scope expansion and scholarly advancement while meeting mid-to-high-end database review standards.
Associate Editor-level scholar
Currently serving as Professor, Researcher, or equivalent role and above
With strong international academic credentials and extensive journal management experience, this candidate is recommended for Associate Editor roles to support top-tier database objectives.
Overseas Academic Rank Guides
Two reference documents for clients explaining overseas academic ranks, titles, and appointment types in STEM and medicine to help identify a scholar's actual standing.
Overview of the Professional Level Framework for STEM Experts in Overseas Markets
Title Recognition Guide for Journal Editorial Board Recruitment (Science and Engineering)
Overview of the Medical Career Ladder System for International Experts
Editorial Board Recruitment: Reference for Identifying Medical Titles
Six Service Plans & Pricing
Six standardized packages are defined by development stage, featuring published pricing and clear cost breakdowns, along with tailored institutional plans.
| Package | Members | Composition | Timeline | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 5 international board members | 5 standard members (excluding high-cost developed economies) | Approximately 10 business days | CNY 6,800 | Initial framework for a new journal, meeting international standards for basic indexing such as DOAJ. |
| Standard | 10 international board members | 10 standard members (excluding high-cost developed economies) | Approximately 10 business days | CNY 9,800 | Rapidly expand an existing board to meet size and share requirements for Scopus, PMC, and similar databases. |
| Advanced | 12 international board members | 8 standard + 4 senior members (excluding high-cost developed economies) | Approximately 14 business days | CNY 16,800 | Balances scale and quality, optimizing board hierarchy and academic weight for mid-to-high-end indexing reviews. |
| Elite | 16 international board members | 11 standard + 5 senior members (including 4 from high-cost developed economies) | Approximately 14 business days | CNY 28,800 | Targeting SCIE, SSCI, Scopus, and other mid-to-high-end databases to build an internationally influential editorial board. |
| Flagship | 20 board members + 2 Associate Editor-level scholars | 12 standard + 6 senior + 2 Associate Editor-level scholars (including 6 from high-cost developed economies) | Approximately 20 business days | CNY 36,800 | Comprehensive internationalization supported by a high-performance board and a complete international academic governance system. |
| Navigator | 20 board members + 2 Associate Editor-level scholars | 12 standard + 6 senior + 2 Associate Editor-level scholars (all from high-cost developed economies) | Approximately 30 business days | CNY 128,000 | A premium configuration for top-tier international databases and impact rankings |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table
- Standard pricing applies to general regions. Scholar services in high-cost developed economies—including Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore—carry a premium; the formal quotation prevails.
- "Scholars from high-cost developed economies" refers to scholars from Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and similar regions (excluding countries or regions not currently covered), as defined in the agreement.
- Delivery timelines are measured in business days and typically take 10 business days; actual duration depends on the package and specific requirements.
- Additional members beyond a package can be purchased individually, with pricing based on discipline, region, and scholar level.
- For societies, universities, hospitals, and research institutes, customized cooperation plans and quotes are available for multi-journal packages.
Deliverables
Standardized documents are provided for journal operations, disclosures, and database applications.
A complete academic profile for each international board member, including name, institution, rank, research focus, ORCID ID, and a summary of research contributions, compiled from publicly available academic sources.
Credential verification summary: rank and identity verification notes, along with information traceability paths to support independent journal review.
Appointment process documents: formal invitation, appointment confirmation, appointment notice, and archived email summaries approved by the board member.
A consolidated roster of international board members, including name, title, research focus, full institution, country, city, email, and verification status. Provided with member consent and used solely for appointments and applications.
Standard Process for Fast Delivery
Briefing, proposal confirmation, agreement signing, progress updates, and delivery are all completed online—no in-person meetings or travel required.
Needs briefing
Discuss the journal's basic info, discipline focus, board size, country preferences, rank requirements, budget, and target databases online.
Proposal and quotation
Receive a customized matching plan and formal quote within one business day, including delivery standards, timeline, and acceptance criteria.
Sign Agreement
After confirming the plan, sign the formal service agreement—preferably using a reliable electronic signature (legally equivalent to a handwritten signature or seal). Service begins immediately upon payment.
Outreach and Appointments
Launch targeted global screening and four-tier credential verification. Send invitations in compliance with local laws and email policies, follow up as needed, and complete intent confirmation and appointment scheduling.
Shipping
Deliver board member profiles and service materials.
Responsibilities
- 01The journal must specify in writing prior to signing: the excluded countries/regions and scholar exclusion criteria. If not specified in advance, no restrictions apply.
- 02During outreach, we fully manage scholar selection and communication, independently choosing candidates in each country without journal intervention.
- 03Once outreach starts, the journal cannot unilaterally alter core selection requirements; any changes require mutual agreement.
Service Assurance
Acceptance and refunds
This service is outcome-based. Acceptance criteria and rules are defined in the agreement; shortfalls are refunded per the agreed proportion and method.
3-month service guarantee
Within three months of acceptance, if a member resigns voluntarily, we will provide a free replacement at the same rank and standard (once per member).
Confidentiality
We do not disclose the client journal's name or cooperation details to third parties, nor do we publicize any client cases in any form, except: (1) to candidate scholars performing the service; (2) with your written consent; or (3) as required by law.
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer. The terms of the signed written agreement shall prevail. Due to sanctions, export controls, and local legal restrictions, this service is currently unavailable in eight countries: North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, Russia, Belarus, Japan, and Israel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
17 key questions on compliance, board member authenticity, coverage, delivery, payment and invoicing, and academic boundaries—each answered directly.
Results 17 / 17
Is your service lawful and compliant?
Are the international board members legitimate and trustworthy? How are their credentials verified?
Will our partnership be disclosed if we recruit board members through you?
Which disciplines are supported?
Can you recruit board members globally?
Can I select specific countries only?
Can I specify institutions or experts to invite?
Can delivery really be completed in about 14 days?
Why is payment required before service begins? Are installments supported?
What if my pharmaceutical company, society, association, foundation, hospital, or university cannot make direct payments?
Is an in-person meeting required? How is the agreement signed?
Can I issue an invoice?
What happens if a board member resigns after delivery? Is there any protection?
Is the price negotiable? Can you participate in bidding or price comparisons?
Will the configured board members meet international database indexing requirements?
No. Paid board recruitment is a professional service that connects companies with qualified candidates; it does not involve buying or selling board positions or academic misconduct.
Do recruited board members actually contribute to journal work?
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Cooperation Notes and Contact
Scholar Seek helps Chinese academic journals build international editorial boards with lower costs, predictable timelines, standardized workflows, clear rights commitments, and reliable delivery.
- 01This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer. The signed written agreement shall prevail. Please contact us once you confirm your interest in collaborating.
- 02All cooperation is handled online (WeChat, email, and electronic agreements)—no in-person meetings required. If our current service model doesn't meet your needs, we sincerely appreciate your interest.
- 03Full confidentiality: The client journal's name and cooperation details are kept strictly confidential. They will not be disclosed except to candidate scholars in the course of providing services, with your written consent, or as required by law. We never publish under the client journal's name.