Research Misconduct Policies

World Science is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and ethical conduct in all stages of the research and publication process. To uphold the credibility of published work and to protect the integrity of the scientific record, the journal enforces a strict policy against all forms of research misconduct.

Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Fabrication

The act of making up data, results, or findings and recording or reporting them as genuine.

2. Falsification

Manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or data to misrepresent research results, including altering figures or omitting conflicting data.

3. Plagiarism

Presenting another person’s work, ideas, processes, or words without proper attribution. This includes both verbatim copying and paraphrasing without citation, as well as self-plagiarism (duplicate publication of one’s own previously published work without disclosure).

4. Misrepresentation

Providing false information regarding authorship, conflicts of interest, affiliations, or the originality of the work submitted.

5. Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest

Failure to disclose financial or personal relationships that may influence research findings or their interpretation.

Editorial Procedures for Handling Allegations

Allegations or suspicions of research misconduct will be handled with fairness, confidentiality, and in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines. The editorial office will take the following steps:

1. Preliminary Assessment

  • On receipt of an allegation, the editorial office will conduct an initial review to assess its credibility.
  • The corresponding author will be contacted for clarification and explanation.

2. Investigation

  • If concerns persist, the editorial board may initiate a formal investigation, and the case may be referred to the authors’ affiliated institution(s) for further inquiry.
  • Peer reviewers, editors, and other relevant parties may be consulted.

3. Editorial Action

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the following actions may be taken:

  • Rejection of the manuscript if under review.
  • Retraction or correction of the published article.
  • Publication of an expression of concern if the matter remains unresolved.
  • Notification to the authors’ institution, funders, or relevant regulatory authorities.
  • Temporary or permanent ban on future submissions from authors found to have engaged in misconduct.

Corrections and Retractions

  • Corrections will be issued for honest errors that do not compromise the integrity of the work.
  • Retractions will be issued for published articles found to contain fabricated, falsified, or plagiarized content, or other forms of misconduct. Retractions will clearly state the reasons for retraction and who is responsible.

Reporting Misconduct

Anyone may report suspected misconduct related to manuscripts or published articles in World Science. Reports must be made in good faith and sent to the editorial office at:
Email: editorial_office@rsglobal.pl

Commitment to Ethical Standards

World Science enforces this policy to protect the scientific record, foster trust in published research, and uphold the journal’s commitment to ethical publishing practices.