Procedure for Handling Complaints on Violations of Academic Integrity and Publication Ethics

Procedure for Handling Complaints Regarding Academic Integrity and Publication Ethics

The Editorial Board of the collection ensures an objective, impartial, and confidential review of complaints regarding potential violations of academic integrity and publication ethics at all stages of the editorial process. The procedure is based on the Laws of Ukraine and the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Submission of a Complaint A complaint may be submitted by any individual or legal entity in writing to the official editorial email address. The submission must include a description of the alleged violation, a justified position, and supporting documentation (if available). Anonymous reports are considered only if they contain sufficient factual data to warrant an investigation.

2. Initial Analysis and Commencement of Inquiry The editorial office conducts an initial assessment of the complaint’s merits. If grounds for investigation are established, the editorial office formally notifies the complainant and the author(s) of the respective manuscript/publication. Authors are granted the right to provide written explanations within a specified timeframe.

3. Investigation Process The review is conducted based on the principles of the presumption of innocence and equality of the parties. The Editorial Board reserves the right to:

  • involve independent peer reviewers for expert assessment;

  • request clarifications from the institutions where the research was conducted;

  • utilize specialized software for plagiarism detection.

4. Decision Making Following the investigation, the editorial board issues a reasoned decision, which may include:

  • dismissal of the complaint due to lack of evidence;

  • a requirement for corrections (erratum/corrigendum) or clarifications;

  • publication of an expression of concern;

  • retraction of the publication;

  • notification of the author’s institution or competent authorities in cases of severe misconduct.

5. Protection of Rights and Confidentiality The editorial office guarantees the confidentiality of the proceedings and the protection of personal data. Individuals who report violations in good faith shall not be subject to discrimination or harassment. Decisions made by the editorial board may be appealed in accordance with the established procedure.