Allegations of Misconduct

The Journal of Fundamental and Applied Research is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, accountability, and ethical standards in scholarly publishing. Trust in the scholarly record depends on addressing allegations of research or publication misconduct promptly, fairly, and transparently, in line with internationally recognized guidelines, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). This policy defines the procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving allegations of misconduct, both before and after publication.

1. Definition and Scope of Misconduct

Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Plagiarism: Using another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without proper attribution.

  • Fabrication: Inventing data or results and presenting them as real.

  • Falsification: Manipulating research materials, processes, or data to misrepresent results.

  • Authorship Misconduct: Including individuals as authors who did not contribute significantly, excluding deserving contributors, or disputes over authorship.

  • Conflict of Interest Mismanagement: Failing to disclose financial, personal, or professional relationships that could bias research outcomes or publication decisions.

  • Ethical Violations in Research: Breaches such as failure to obtain ethics approval for studies involving humans or animals, or violating consent and data protection protocols.

  • Redundant or Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals or publishing substantially similar work without disclosure.

  • Peer Review Manipulation: Attempts to subvert peer review, such as suggesting fabricated reviewer identities or submitting fraudulent reviews.

2. Reporting Allegations

Allegations of misconduct can be reported by:

  • Authors

  • Reviewers

  • Editorial board members

  • Readers or users of published content

  • Institutional representatives (universities, research organizations, funders)

  • Whistleblowers, including anonymous sources with credible evidence

Reporting procedure:

  • Reports must be submitted in writing, including:

    • A clear description of the alleged misconduct

    • Supporting evidence or documentation, if available

    • Contact details for follow-up (anonymous reports will be considered but may be limited if insufficient detail is provided)

Contact:
Editorial Office Email: info@jfar.uz 

3. Whistleblower Protection

  • All whistleblowers acting in good faith will be protected.

  • Identities are kept confidential unless disclosure is necessary for a fair investigation.

  • Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.

4. Investigation Process

Upon receiving an allegation, the editorial team will:

  1. Initial Assessment: The Editor-in-Chief (with support from the editorial board, if needed) evaluates the credibility, relevance, and evidence supporting the allegation.

  2. Notification: Relevant parties, including authors and institutions, will be informed in writing. Authors will have the opportunity to respond and provide clarification.

  3. Consultation: External experts or the authors’ affiliated institutions may be consulted. Original data, peer review files, submission records, and correspondence may be examined.

  4. Timeliness: Investigations are conducted promptly, typically within 30–90 days depending on case complexity and cooperation of involved parties.

5. Handling Pre-Publication Allegations

  • Editorial decisions will be suspended while the investigation is ongoing.

  • If misconduct is confirmed, the manuscript will be rejected, and any co-submissions flagged.

  • In severe cases, the authors’ affiliated institutions may be notified.

6. Handling Post-Publication Allegations

  • Allegations raised after publication will be investigated confidentially and impartially.

  • Possible actions include:

    • Correction/Erratum: For minor errors not affecting research findings

    • Retraction: For major errors, ethical breaches, or confirmed misconduct

    • Editorial Expression of Concern: If investigation is ongoing or evidence is inconclusive

  • Relevant institutions, funders, or regulatory bodies may be informed as appropriate.

7. Corrective and Disciplinary Actions

When misconduct is confirmed, the journal may:

  • Retract published articles with clear reasons stated

  • Issue formal corrections, errata, or expressions of concern

  • Ban offending authors or reviewers from future submissions

  • Notify relevant institutions, funders, or professional organizations

  • Report severe cases (e.g., fraud) to legal or regulatory authorities if required

8. Transparency and Communication

The journal is committed to:

  • Communicating investigation outcomes to the complainant (if identifiable), involved parties, and relevant institutions

  • Maintaining transparent public records of corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern

  • Handling all communications professionally, respecting confidentiality and due process

ISSN 2181-3329 (Print)
ISSN 2181-3205 (Online)