COPE was asked by the publisher Wiley, a member of COPE, to review the process Wiley followed in reviewing the issues raised by the publication and removal of an essay in the journal Angewandte Chemie, particularly relating to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
COPE agreed to form a panel, consisting of six members: three COPE representatives and three members independent of COPE, to critically evaluate the process which Wiley followed when investigating the issues contributing to and arising from the publication of the paper in Angewandte Chemie by reviewing the report provided by Wiley.
The panel produced a report which provides a critical evaluation of the process Wiley followed when undertaking their investigations, recommendations for Wiley to adopt in their handling of investigations of this nature, along with any more general recommendations arising from this case that Wiley may wish to consider in their broader practices.