Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

English version of April 2018

Download the ‘Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement’

Ethical-expectations

Editors’ responsibilities

To act in a balanced, objective and fair way while carrying out their expected duties, without discrimination on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, ethnic or geographical origin of the authors.

To handle submissions for sponsored supplements or special issues in the same way as other submissions, so that articles are considered and accepted solely on their academic merit and without commercial influence.

To treat the case of an event of complaints, of an ethical or conflict nature, we give authors a reasonable opportunity to respond to any complaints.

Reviewers’ responsibilities

To contribute to the decision-making process, and to assist in improving the quality of the published paper by reviewing the manuscript objectively, in a timely manner.

To maintain the confidentiality of any information supplied by the editor or author.

To alert the editor to any published or submitted content that is substantially similar to that under review.

To be aware of any potential conflicts of interest and to alert the editor to these, if necessary withdrawing their services for that manuscript.

Authors’ responsibilities

To confirm/assert that the manuscript as submitted is not under consideration or accepted for publication elsewhere. Where portions of the content overlap with published or submitted content, to acknowledge and cite those sources. Additionally, to provide the editor with a copy of any submitted manuscript that might contain overlapping or closely related content.

To confirm that all the work in the submitted manuscript is original and to acknowledge and cite content reproduced from other sources. To obtain permission to reproduce any content from other sources.

Authors should ensure that any studies involving fauna, flora, minerals, rocks, fossils and meteorits subjects conform to national, local and institutional laws and requirements and confirm that approval has been sought and obtained where appropriate.

To declare any potential conflicts of interest.

To notify promptly the journal editor or publisher if a significant error in their publication is identified.
To cooperate with the editor and publisher to publish an erratum, addendum, corrigendum notice, or to retract the paper, where this is deemed necessary.

Procedures for dealing with unethical behavior

Identification of unethical behavior

Misconduct and unethical behavior may be identified and brought to the attention of the editor and publisher at any time, by anyone.

Misconduct and unethical behavior may include, but need not be limited to, examples as outlined above.

Whoever informs the editor or publisher of such conduct should provide sufficient information and evidence in order for an investigation to be initiated. All allegations should be taken seriously and treated in the same way, until a successful decision or conclusion is reached.

Investigation

An initial decision should be taken by the Editorial board.

Evidence should be gathered, while avoiding spreading any allegations beyond those who need to know.

Minor breaches

Minor misconduct might be dealt with without the need to consult more widely. In any event, the author should be given the opportunity to respond to any allegations.

Serious breaches

Serious misconduct might require that the authors of the accused be notified. The editor should make the decision whether or not to involve the authors, either by examining the available evidence themselves or by further consultation with a limited number of experts.

Outcomes (in increasing order of severity; may be applied separately or in conjunction)

Informing or educating the author or reviewer where there appears to be a misunderstanding or misapplication of acceptable standards.

A more strongly worded letter to the author or reviewer covering the misconduct and as a warning to future behavior.

Publication of a formal notice detailing the misconduct.

Publication of an editorial detailing the misconduct.

A formal letter to the head of the author’s or reviewer’s department or funding agency.

Formal retraction or withdrawal of a publication from the journal, in conjunction with informing the head of the author or reviewer’s department, Abstracting & Indexing services and the readership of the publication.

Imposition of a formal embargo on contributions from an individual for a defined period.

Reporting the case and outcome to a professional organization or higher authority for further investigation and action.