Handling Allegations of Misconduct

All allegations of research or publication misconduct are investigated and addressed in accordance with COPE guidelines, with appropriate editorial actions taken to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

SCIENCE – International Journal takes all allegations of research and publication misconduct seriously and is committed to addressing them in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. The journal follows the procedures and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Definition of Misconduct

Publication misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism and self-plagiarism;

  • data fabrication or falsification;

  • redundant or duplicate publication;

  • unethical research practices;

  • undisclosed conflicts of interest;

  • inappropriate authorship practices;

  • manipulation of the peer review process.

Reporting Allegations

  • Allegations of misconduct may be raised by editors, reviewers, readers, authors, or third parties.

  • Reports should be submitted to the editorial office and supported by relevant evidence where possible.

  • All allegations are treated confidentially and handled with due sensitivity.

Initial Assessment

  • The editorial office conducts a preliminary assessment to determine whether the allegation has sufficient merit to warrant further investigation.

  • If necessary, the editor may seek clarification from the authors or reviewers involved.

Investigation Procedure

  • When an allegation is deemed credible, the journal initiates an investigation in accordance with COPE flowcharts and guidelines.

  • Authors are given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide explanations or supporting documentation.

  • In cases involving serious or unresolved concerns, the journal may contact the authors’ affiliated institutions or relevant authorities for further investigation.

Editorial Actions

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the journal may take one or more of the following actions:

  • rejection of the manuscript;

  • publication of a correction or erratum;

  • issuance of an expression of concern;

  • retraction of the article;

  • notification of relevant institutions or funding bodies.

All actions are guided by the principles of proportionality, transparency, and fairness.

Post-Publication Misconduct

If misconduct is identified after publication, the journal will act promptly to correct the scholarly record through corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern, in line with journal policies and COPE Retraction Guidelines.

Confidentiality and Due Process

  • The identities of individuals involved in allegations are protected to the extent possible during the investigation.

  • The journal ensures due process for all parties and avoids premature judgments until the investigation is concluded.

Final Statement

By addressing allegations of misconduct responsibly and transparently, SCIENCE – International Journal upholds the integrity of the scholarly record and maintains trust in the publication process.