Publication Ethics

University Scientific Notes adheres to the principles of academic integrity, scientific objectivity, and editorial transparency at all stages of the editorial process — from manuscript submission to publication and subsequent use of published materials.

The journal’s publication ethics policy is developed with reference to the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics, the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing, and the recommendations of the European Association of Science Editors. The journal also takes into account applicable national legislation on academic integrity, in particular about principles of responsible research conduct, transparency, and accountability.

General principles

All participants in the editorial process (authors, reviewers, editors) are expected to act in good faith, ensure the accuracy of research results, use sources properly, and respect intellectual property rights.

Scholarly publication is understood as a form of academic communication that entails responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the reported results.

The journal proceeds from a presumption of academic integrity on the part of all participants, while retaining the right to verify submissions for potential misconduct.

Authorship and submission

Submission of a manuscript implies that:

  • the work is original and has not been previously published;
  • the manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere;
  • all sources are properly acknowledged;
  • authorship reflects actual contributions to the research.

Only those who have made a significant intellectual contribution to the research and the manuscript should be listed as authors. The journal does not accept inappropriate authorship practices, including:

  • listing individuals who have not made a significant contribution (gift authorship);
  • including individuals for reasons of reputation, status, or formal support without a substantive contribution (guest authorship);
  • excluding individuals who have made a significant contribution to the research or writing (ghost authorship).

All listed authors are assumed to have agreed to the submission, reviewed the final version of the manuscript, and accepted responsibility for its content within the scope of their contribution.

Data integrity and research reporting

Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the data presented, the appropriateness of the methodology, and the validity of the conclusions.

Fabrication, falsification, or selective reporting of data that may distort research findings is not acceptable. Authors should be prepared to provide clarifications regarding their data or methods if requested by the editorial office.

Unethical practices

The journal does not consider manuscripts that involve:

  • plagiarism or improper attribution;
  • fabrication or falsification of data;
  • redundant or duplicate publication without proper justification;
  • simultaneous submission to multiple journals;
  • any other forms of academic misconduct.

If such practices are identified, the manuscript may be rejected, or appropriate action may be taken regarding already published material.

The scope of academic misconduct is interpreted in accordance with applicable legislation and internationally recognized standards of publication ethics.

Conflicts of interest

All participants in the editorial process must disclose any circumstances that could influence the objectivity of the evaluation or publication of the manuscript.

Conflicts of interest may be financial, professional, personal, or of another nature and must be declared at the relevant stage of the editorial process.

Failure to disclose a relevant conflict of interest may constitute grounds for rejection or post-publication action.

Responsibilities of reviewers

Reviewers are expected to provide independent, objective, and confidential evaluations based on scientific criteria.

They must disclose conflicts of interest, refrain from using unpublished material for personal advantage, and respect the confidentiality of the review process.

Responsibilities of the editorial team

The editorial team ensures the independence of the peer review and decision-making process and evaluates manuscripts solely on their scientific merit.

The journal does not discriminate on any grounds and ensures the confidentiality of submitted materials. The editorial team responds to allegations of ethical misconduct and takes appropriate action when necessary.

Editorial decisions are not influenced by commercial or external considerations.

The editorial team ensures that allegations of academic misconduct are considered in accordance with established procedures and with due regard to the rights of all parties involved.

Ethical considerations in research

Authors are responsible for complying with applicable legal and ethical requirements in conducting research, including, where relevant:

  • the use of personal data;
  • research involving human participants;
  • other cases requiring ethical approval.

Where applicable, authors should confirm that appropriate approvals or permissions have been obtained.

Complaints and concerns

The editorial office considers complaints and concerns related to ethical issues, data integrity, or other aspects of submitted or published work.

Such matters are handled in a fair, confidential, and reasoned manner.

Findings of academic misconduct are determined in accordance with applicable legal frameworks and/or internal procedures, while editorial decisions remain within the journal’s competence.

Corrections and retractions

In cases of errors or ethical concerns, the journal may:

  • publish corrections or clarifications;
  • retract published articles;
  • update relevant metadata accordingly.

Decisions are made in accordance with the nature of the issue and with reference to COPE recommendations.

In cases involving confirmed breaches of academic integrity, the journal may also inform the author’s affiliated institution or other relevant bodies.