Correction, Retraction, and Editorial Expressions of Concern Policy
Last updated 1/4/2025
1 Introduction
The Infectious Diseases Journal of Pakistan (Infect Dis J Pak) upholds strict ethical standards to ensure the reliability and correctness of its published work. This policy details the steps taken for issuing corrections, retractions, or editorial notes of concern when necessary to preserve the credibility and precision of its content
2. Definitions
2.1 Correction: A notification requesting corrections for minor mistakes in published material that do not substantially affect the work's overall accuracy or trustworthiness.
2.2 Retraction: The retraction involves officially withdrawing or taking down published material because of significant mistakes, ethical violations, or other major problems that undermine the credibility of the work.
2.3 Editorial Expression of Concern: A notice from the editors raising doubts about the accuracy or trustworthiness of a published work while awaiting further review.
3. Grounds for Corrections, Retractions, or Expressions of Concern
3.1 Errors: Corrections are made to address mistakes in already published material, including typos, factual errors, or missing information, as long as these issues do not undermine the work's overall credibility.
3.2 Substantial Errors: Retractions may be issued for material containing major inaccuracies, deceptive content, ethical violations, plagiarism, or other severe problems that greatly compromise the work's credibility and trustworthiness.
3.3 Unresolved Concerns: Editorial Expressions of Concern are issued when concerns are raised about the integrity or reliability of published content, pending further investigation.
4. Procedures for Corrections
4.1 Author-initiated Corrections: Authors are urged to quickly inform the editorial team of any mistakes that need fixing, offering a clear explanation and suggested revisions.
4.2 Editorial-initiated Corrections: During standard reviews, the editors may detect errors and, in coordination with the authors, proceed with necessary revisions.
4.3 Publication of Corrections: Errors are promptly corrected in the journal, with a clear explanation of the issue and the updated information.
5. Procedures for Retractions
5.1 Author-initiated Retractions: Authors may request retractions, providing a detailed explanation and justification for the retraction.
5.2 Editorial-initiated Retractions: The editorial team may initiate retractions in cases of serious errors, ethical concerns, or other issues affecting the validity and reliability of the work.
5.3 Publication of Retractions: Retractions are published prominently in the journal, clearly stating the reasons for retraction and providing correct information if applicable.
6. Procedures for Editorial Expressions of Concern
6.1 Identification of Concerns: The editorial team identifies concerns about the integrity or reliability of published content.
6.2 Publication of Editorial Expressions of Concern: The journal publishes Editorial Expressions of Concern while additional investigation is ongoing. This notice explains the specifics of the issues and the actions being taken to resolve them.
7. Communication with Authors
7.1 Author Notification: Authors are promptly informed of corrections, retractions, or editorial expressions of concern and are given an opportunity to respond.
7.2 Author Cooperation: Authors are encouraged to cooperate with the editorial team in resolving issues related to corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern.
8. Record-Keeping and Transparency
8.1 Record-Keeping: A record of corrections, retractions, and editorial expressions of concern is maintained for transparency and accountability.
8.2 Transparent Communication: The editorial team communicates transparently with readers, authors, and the scientific community about corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern.
9. Review and Updates
This policy will undergo regular evaluations to maintain its efficacy. Necessary adjustments will be implemented to improve the management of corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern.
The Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of Concern Policy is designed to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability in addressing concerns about the accuracy and reliability of published content in Infect Dis J Pak.
