Corrections and retractions
Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or issues may occasionally be identified after publication and will take appropriate action to correct the published record when necessary.
Post-publication corrections and retractions are handled in accordance with recognized standards of scholarly publishing and relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
1. Corrections
A correction may be published when an error in a published article affects the accuracy, clarity, or understanding of the scholarly record but does not invalidate the main findings or conclusions of the article.
Corrections may concern, for example:
- errors in text, figures, tables, or supplementary materials;
- author names or affiliations;
- bibliographic or metadata information;
- factual or typographical errors;
- other errors that require formal correction of the published record.
The journal will assess the nature and significance of the error and determine whether a correction is appropriate.
2. Author Requests for Corrections
Authors who identify a significant error in their published article should promptly notify the Editorial Office of Scientific Works (SW AzUAC).
The request should clearly identify:
- the article concerned;
- the specific error;
- the proposed correction;
- any supporting information or documentation.
The journal will evaluate the request before deciding whether a formal correction notice is required.
3. Editorial Corrections
Where an error is identified by the editorial team, reviewers, readers, or other sources, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may initiate a correction after assessing the available evidence.
Corrections will be made transparently so that the original scholarly record remains traceable.
4. Retractions
A published article may be retracted when there is reliable evidence that its findings or conclusions are sufficiently unreliable or when serious publication or research misconduct has occurred.
Reasons for retraction may include, but are not limited to:
- fabrication or falsification of research data;
- serious plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of previously published material;
- major errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions;
- unethical research or lack of required ethical approval;
- serious violations of research integrity;
- duplicate or redundant publication;
- substantial manipulation of the peer-review process;
- other circumstances that significantly compromise the reliability or integrity of the published work.
Retraction does not necessarily imply misconduct by the authors. The journal will assess the circumstances and available evidence before taking action.
5. Retraction Notices
When an article is retracted, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will publish a clear retraction notice explaining the reason for the retraction.
The retraction notice will be linked to the original article and will remain part of the permanent scholarly record.
Where technically and ethically appropriate, the original article will remain accessible with a clear indication that it has been retracted.
6. Expressions of Concern
If serious concerns arise about a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to make an immediate decision regarding correction or retraction, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may publish an Expression of Concern.
An Expression of Concern may be issued while the journal or an appropriate institution conducts further investigation.
The journal may subsequently publish a correction, retraction, or other appropriate notice when the matter has been resolved.
7. Post-Publication Changes
Published articles will not normally be altered or removed without a formal editorial reason.
Where a correction is required, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will make the change in a transparent manner and, where appropriate, provide a correction notice describing the amendment.
Changes will be documented to preserve the integrity and traceability of the scholarly record.
8. Authorship and Metadata Corrections
Requests concerning authorship, author order, affiliations, ORCID identifiers, or other article metadata after publication will be assessed individually.
Where appropriate, the journal may require written agreement from all affected authors or relevant supporting documentation.
Significant authorship changes may require a formal correction notice.
9. Retraction Requests and Appeals
Authors, readers, reviewers, institutions, or other interested parties may contact the Editorial Office regarding a potential correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction.
Requests should provide sufficient evidence and clearly explain the concern.
Decisions will be made by the Editor-in-Chief or an appropriately designated editor based on the available evidence and relevant publication ethics guidance.
10. Ethical and Editorial Oversight
Where a correction or retraction involves suspected research or publication misconduct, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may conduct or request an appropriate investigation in accordance with its Research and Publication Misconduct Policy.
The journal may contact the author's institution, research organization, ethics committee, funding body, or another appropriate authority when institutional investigation is required.
Editors must disclose and appropriately manage any conflicts of interest when handling correction or retraction matters.
11. Protection of the Scholarly Record
The primary purpose of corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions is to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.
Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will seek to handle post-publication issues fairly, transparently, consistently, and confidentially, while respecting the rights of authors, readers, reviewers, and other relevant parties.
All actions will be based on available evidence and relevant publication ethics standards, including applicable COPE guidance.
