Research Misconduct Procedure
Purpose
This procedure establishes the process for assessing and investigating allegations of research misconduct and publication ethics violations.
The procedure applies to both submitted and published manuscripts.
Scope
Potential misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
Research Misconduct
- fabrication of data
- falsification of data
- manipulation of results.
Publication Misconduct
- plagiarism
- duplicate publication
- redundant publication
- inappropriate authorship
- undisclosed conflicts of interest
- peer-review manipulation
- citation manipulation
- unethical research practices
- misuse of artificial intelligence technologies.
Submission of Allegations
Concerns may be raised by any individual.
Reports should include:
- identification of the manuscript or article
- description of the concern
- available supporting evidence.
Reports may be submitted anonymously.
Preliminary Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief shall conduct an initial assessment to determine whether:
- the allegation falls within the scope of this procedure
- sufficient information exists to warrant further review
- immediate action is required.
The journal may request additional information before proceeding.
Formal Investigation
Where concerns appear credible, the journal may:
- notify the corresponding author
- request a written response
- request supporting documentation
- consult reviewers, editors, or external experts
- communicate with relevant institutions.
Investigations shall be conducted fairly, confidentially, and proportionately.
Interim Measures
During an investigation, the journal may:
- suspend peer review
- suspend publication
- delay publication decisions
- issue an Expression of Concern.
Outcomes
Following investigation, the journal may determine that:
No Violation Occurred
The case is closed.
Minor Breach Occurred
Possible actions include:
- clarification
- correction
- warning.
Significant Ethical Violation Occurred
Possible actions include:
- rejection of the manuscript
- publication correction
- retraction
- temporary restrictions on future submissions
- notification of relevant institutions.
Serious Misconduct Occurred
Possible actions include:
- retraction
- notification of institutions
- notification of funding bodies where appropriate
- prohibition of future submissions for a defined period.
Appeals
Individuals subject to findings under this procedure may submit a written appeal.
Appeals should identify:
- procedural concerns
- significant new evidence
- substantial factual errors.
Appeals shall be reviewed independently where possible.
The decision on appeal is final.
Confidentiality
The journal shall seek to protect confidentiality throughout investigations to the extent consistent with fair process and research integrity.
Record Retention
The journal shall retain records relating to investigations for an appropriate period and in accordance with applicable legal and institutional requirements.
