Allegation of Misconduct
Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, citation manipulation, or plagiarism occurring during the generation, performance, review, reporting, or drafting of research by authors. When authors are found to have engaged in research misconduct or other serious irregularities affecting published work, the Editors bear a strict responsibility to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of the scientific record.
In cases of suspected misconduct, the Editors and the Editorial Board adhere to the best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure complaints are resolved and addressed fairly. This process includes a formal internal investigation of the allegations by the Editors. Any submitted manuscript found to contain such misconduct will be promptly rejected. For published papers where misconduct is confirmed, a formal retraction will be issued and permanently linked to the original article.
Investigation Framework and Process
- Initial Assessment: The first step involves verifying the validity of the allegation and determining whether the reported behavior aligns with the established definition of research misconduct. This initial phase also includes evaluating whether the individuals raising the allegation possess any relevant conflicts of interest.
- Author Communication: If scientific misconduct or substantial research irregularities are deemed a plausible possibility, the details of the allegation are shared with the corresponding author. On behalf of all co-authors, the corresponding author will be requested to provide a comprehensive, detailed response.
- Expert Evaluation: Once the authors' response is received and evaluated, the editorial team may seek additional review and input from independent experts (such as specialized statistical reviewers).
- Resolution Pathways:
- Minor Irregularities: In cases where deliberate misconduct is deemed unlikely, the issue may be resolved through formal clarifications, additional analyses, or both. These are typically published as Letters to the Editor and are accompanied by an official correction notice linked directly to the published article.
- Confirmed Misconduct: In cases where misconduct is verified, the journal will issue definitive actions such as formal corrections, retractions with replacement, or full retractions.
Institutions are expected to conduct their own thorough and appropriate investigations into allegations of scientific misconduct regarding their researchers. Ultimately, authors, journals, and institutions share a collective, vital obligation to protect the accuracy of scholarly literature. By responding decisively to concerns about scientific integrity and taking appropriate corrective actions, [Journal] will continue to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring the absolute validity and long-term integrity of the scientific record.
