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Maintaining scientific rigor in clinical imaging science – 2026
*Corresponding author: Vikram Dogra, Department of Radiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America. editor@clinicalimagingscience.org
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Dogra V. Maintaining scientific rigor in clinical imaging science – 2026. J Clin Imaging Sci. 2026;16:4. doi: 10.25259/JCIS_8_2026
As the Journal of Clinical Imaging Science (JCIS) enters 2026, reaffirming our commitment to scientific rigor, originality, and clinical relevance is both timely and essential. The volume of submissions continues to grow, reflecting the rapid evolution of imaging technologies and analytical methods. This growth reinforces the journal’s responsibility to ensure that all published work meets the highest standards of scientific quality and integrity. JCIS remains dedicated to advancing clinical imaging science, defined not by novelty alone, but by meaningful contributions that expand knowledge, inform clinical decision-making, and withstand critical appraisal.
EMPHASIS ON SCIENTIFIC RIGOR AND ORIGINALITY
In alignment with the standards expected of a leading clinical imaging journal, in 2026, editorial priority will be given to manuscripts that demonstrate:
Clear scientific objectives supported by an appropriate study design
Analytical depth, including statistical rigor where applicable
Original contributions that advance existing literature rather than reiterate established concepts
Transparent methodology and reporting that allow reproducibility and critical evaluation.
Descriptive studies, case series, and narrative reviews lacking a focused question, analytical synthesis, or clearly articulated novelty are unlikely to meet these criteria.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND IMPACT
Imaging research must extend beyond image appearance. Submissions should clearly address how imaging findings influence diagnosis, management, prognosis, or patient outcomes. Studies that do not establish clear clinical relevance, or that reiterate well-established principles without new insight, will be subject to careful editorial scrutiny.
REVIEWS AND EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
Review articles are expected to provide a critical synthesis, not a simple aggregation of published data. Authors should clearly define the scope, identify gaps in current knowledge, and offer interpretive frameworks that guide clinical practice or future research.
Educational and pictorial submissions remain welcome when they are focused, structured, and analytical, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning, imaging differentials, and practical application rather than rarity alone.
ETHICAL STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION
JCIS continues to adhere strictly to international publication ethics, including authorship transparency, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and ethical research conduct. With the increasing use of artificial intelligence in imaging research, authors must clearly describe data sources, validation strategies, limitations, and clinical applicability. Claims of innovation must be supported by evidence, not extrapolation.
LOOKING FORWARD
Maintaining scientific rigor is not an administrative milestone; it reflects sustained editorial discipline and scholarly credibility. In 2026, JCIS will continue to emphasize quality over quantity, encouraging submissions that contribute durable knowledge to the imaging community.
Vikram S. Dogra, MD, FACR, FAIUM, FSAR, FSRU, FESUR and FRSM
Editor-in-Chief,
Journal of Clinical Imaging Science.
Acknowledgment:
I extend my sincere appreciation to our authors, readers, Editorial Board members, peer reviewers, and the editorial and publishing teams for their dedication, expertise, and continued commitment to the scientific and ethical standards of the Journal of Clinical Imaging Science. Their collective efforts are central to sustaining the journal’s quality, credibility, and standing as a trusted platform for clinical imaging research.