Guidance

• Flowcharts

  Fabricated data in a submitted manuscript

  A reviewer suspects fabricated data in a submitted manuscript. The COPE flowchart is a step by step guide for editors when a reviewer suspects data fabrication. Fabricated data in a submitted manuscript
• Flowcharts

  Handling of post-publication critiques

  …a formal critique is received, journals often invite the original authors of the critiqued article to write a reply. The critique and response may be peer reviewed. Critiques are often challenging and there are considerations that a journal might face, which are described in the guidance. Journals should have a transparent policy for considering critiques. Critiques should be…
• Flowcharts

  Undisclosed conflict of interest in a submitted manuscript

  This flowchart offers editors a step-by-step process on handling cases where a potential conflict of interest is suspected during the reviewing process. Undisclosed conflict of interest in a submitted manuscript
• Flowcharts

  Undisclosed conflict of interest in a published article

  …communicate with the author and reader during the investigation.  The author's institution should be involved when the author denies an alleged conflict of interest or to inform an institution in cases of suspected misconduct. A published article may need a correction or to be retracted, dependent on whether the editor considers the conflict of interest to have affected the peer review…
• Flowcharts

  Plagiarism in a submitted manuscript

  …class="resource-download-inline__shadow__inner"> Key points Thank reviewer and say you plan to investigate. Get full documentary evidence if not already provided. Related resources Plagiarism in a published article …
• Flowcharts

  When institutions are contacted by journals

  A journal editor or publisher raises an ethical issue or concern about an article either before or after publication. The flowchart offers the institution a step by step process on handling the issue. Guidance for when institutions are contacted by journals…
• Flowcharts

  Changes in authorship: Addition of extra author – before publication

  …KB Key points Major changes in response to reviewer comments, e.g. adding new data might justify the inclusion of a new author. More flowcharts on authorship changes

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