Research Misconduct

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record and follows internationally recognized principles of publication ethics, including guidance issued by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) does not tolerate research or publication misconduct.

1. Definition of Research and Publication Misconduct

Research and publication misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism and self-plagiarism;
  • fabrication or falsification of data;
  • manipulation or misrepresentation of research results;
  • inappropriate manipulation of figures or images;
  • duplicate or redundant publication;
  • simultaneous submission of substantially the same manuscript to multiple journals;
  • citation manipulation;
  • undisclosed conflicts of interest;
  • ghost, guest, or gift authorship;
  • unauthorized changes to authorship;
  • misrepresentation of author contributions;
  • unethical research involving human participants or animals;
  • failure to obtain required ethical approval or informed consent;
  • manipulation of the peer-review process;
  • misuse of confidential information obtained during peer review;
  • undisclosed or inappropriate use of artificial intelligence tools;
  • any other conduct that compromises the integrity of the scholarly record.

2. Reporting Suspected Misconduct

Concerns regarding suspected misconduct may be submitted to the Editorial Office of Scientific Works (SW AzUAC).

Reports should, whenever possible, include:

  • identification of the article or manuscript concerned;
  • a clear description of the alleged misconduct;
  • supporting documentation or evidence;
  • relevant references or other information that may assist the investigation.

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may consider anonymous allegations when sufficient and credible evidence is provided.

3. Initial Assessment

The Editor-in-Chief or a designated editor will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the allegation has sufficient substance to warrant further investigation.

Allegations will not be dismissed solely because they are submitted anonymously.

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will seek to distinguish genuine ethical concerns from unsupported, frivolous, or malicious allegations.

4. Investigation

When an investigation is warranted, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will:

  1. preserve relevant documentation and correspondence;
  2. evaluate available evidence;
  3. contact the author or other individual concerned and provide an appropriate opportunity to respond;
  4. seek advice from independent experts where necessary;
  5. maintain confidentiality during the investigation;
  6. manage conflicts of interest appropriately.

The journal will follow relevant COPE guidance and flowcharts when investigating suspected publication misconduct.

5. Institutional Investigation

Editors and publishers do not normally have the authority or resources to conduct investigations into all aspects of research misconduct.

Where allegations concern the authenticity of research data, fabrication, falsification, serious authorship disputes, ethical approval, or other matters requiring institutional investigation, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may contact the author's institution, research organization, funding body, ethics committee, or another appropriate authority.

The journal may provide relevant documentation necessary for such an investigation, subject to applicable confidentiality and legal requirements.

6. Manuscripts Under Consideration

If misconduct is substantiated while a manuscript is under consideration, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may:

  • reject the manuscript;
  • terminate peer review;
  • request clarification or correction;
  • restrict further consideration until an investigation is completed;
  • notify relevant institutions where appropriate.

7. Published Articles

If serious concerns arise after publication, Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) may issue:

  • a correction;
  • an Editor's Note;
  • an Expression of Concern;
  • a retraction.

The appropriate action will depend on the nature, reliability, and seriousness of the evidence.

Retractions and other post-publication notices will be handled in accordance with the journal's Corrections and Retractions Policy and relevant COPE guidance.

8. Whistleblowers

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) respects individuals who raise genuine concerns about research integrity.

The identity of a whistleblower will be treated confidentially to the extent reasonably possible and consistent with the requirements of a fair investigation.

Good-faith allegations will be evaluated on the evidence provided, regardless of the identity or status of the person raising the concern.

9. Conflicts of Interest

Any editor who has a personal, professional, academic, financial, or other relevant conflict of interest concerning an allegation must recuse themselves from handling the matter.

Where an allegation concerns the Editor-in-Chief, responsibility for the investigation will be transferred to an independent senior Editorial Board member and/or an appropriate representative of the Publisher.

10. Cooperation with Investigations

Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to cooperate with legitimate investigations concerning manuscripts or articles with which they are associated.

Failure to provide reasonable clarification or relevant documentation may be taken into account when Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) determines the appropriate editorial response.

11. Protection of the Scholarly Record

The primary objective of investigations and post-publication actions is to preserve the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.

Editorial actions will be based on available evidence and the reliability of the published work rather than being used as punishment against individuals.

Scientific Works (SW AzUAC) will address suspected misconduct fairly, consistently, confidentially, and in accordance with applicable COPE guidance.