At Genesis Publishing Consortium Limited (GPCL), our correction and retraction policy is meticulously crafted to address post-publication concerns with the utmost transparency, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity of scientific research.
Our commitment to maintaining the credibility of our publications starts with a rigorous investigation process. We treat concerns brought forward by authors or readers with the seriousness they deserve. Collaborating closely with authors, our investigation may involve accessing original unprocessed data and seeking expert opinions to comprehensively evaluate the identified issues.
In the evaluation stage, should concerns arise, a manuscript may be declined and returned to the author for necessary revisions before publication. For already published articles, the outcomes vary, with each case receiving careful consideration based on the nature and severity of the issues identified.
In instances where significant errors affecting the publication record, scientific integrity, or the reputation of the authors or the journal itself are introduced during the production process, an erratum may be issued. This corrects errors of omission, including any missed proof corrections, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the published content.
A corrigendum is issued when authors themselves identify significant errors post-publication. This process involves a collaborative effort with editors and, if necessary, peer reviewers. Agreement from all co-authors on the amended wording is a prerequisite before publication.
Addressing reader requests for clarification, a correction or addendum may be issued. These peer-reviewed additions provide essential information inadvertently omitted by the author at the time of the original publication, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
In cases where issues of concern are identified in a published article, an editorial expression of concern or editor’s note may be issued. This transparent communication is designed to keep our readership informed and may be followed by a second notification once the investigation is concluded.
If serious issues such as unreliable findings, plagiarism, unauthorized use of material, ethical concerns, or compromised peer review are identified, the ultimate measure may be taken – the retraction of the article. Retraction is a serious step and is only considered in circumstances where it is deemed necessary to maintain the high standards of our publications.
In cases of potentially serious issues, communication with the author’s institution may be initiated by GPCL to ensure a comprehensive investigation and resolution.
Recognizing the importance of transparency, GPCL may consider publishing an updated version of the article if errors are identified. A correction notice appended to the end of the article clearly documents the changes made, including the date(s) of the modifications. Previous versions are marked as outdated, guiding readers to the most recent and accurate version.
Retraction is a serious step and is considered when there is clear evidence of unreliable findings, major errors, fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, unauthorized use of material, copyright infringement, reporting of unethical research, compromised peer review, or failure to disclose major competing interests.
In cases where retraction is deemed necessary, GPCL follows the guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The retraction process involves collaborative efforts between GPCL, the editor, and the author. A retraction notice is meticulously drafted, providing a transparent explanation of the reasons for the retraction.
To maintain transparency, retracted articles have their PDFs replaced with versions watermarked with “Retracted.” This ensures continued accessibility while signaling to readers that the article has been retracted. A formal retraction notice is also published in the next available print issue.
In exceptional cases necessitated by legal reasons, such as defamation or intellectual property infringement, the original content may be removed. However, metadata is retained, and a notification is provided, ensuring transparency in content management.
GPCL exercises discretion in not retracting articles in certain cases. For instance, if authorship is disputed among published authors without casting doubt on the validity of findings, or if the main findings remain reliable and can be sufficiently addressed by correction, retraction may not be pursued.
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Genesis Publishing Consortium Limited (GPCL) is an Open Access publisher, with more than 7 online, peer-reviewed journals covering a wide range of academic disciplines.
