Statement of Ethics

To ensure that the scientific method is at the core of the scholarly discussions between its publishers, editorial board, editors, reviewers, authors, and readers, IJCR abides by its ethical statement of ethics for publication. The statement touches upon a triad of mutual responsibilities between the editors, reviewers, and authors. This statement is in line with the committee on publication ethics COPE Guidelines.

1. Editors' Responsibilities

2. Reviewers' Responsibilities

3. Authors' Responsibilities

1. Editors’ Responsibilities

1.1 Publication Decision

The final decision to accept or reject a manuscript rests in the hands of the manuscript editor before the initiation of the review process. In making the final decision, the editor should ensure that his decision is in harmony with the predefined guidelines and requirements of peer-reviewed papers to be published in the International Journal of Clinical Research. The editor should also make his decision to accept, reject, or request revisions for a manuscript based on the recommendations of the reviewers. If major discrepancies exist between the reviewers’ recommendations, the editor can send it to a third reviewer, if the material presented in the manuscript seems to be of high scientific value.

1.2 Neutrality and objectivity

Editors must remain neutral regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, and political views of the authors and/or subject(s), in case these are known. The peer-review process in the International Journal of Clinical Research is a double-blinded process, which protects the authors from any biases. However, shall any of the previously mentioned characteristics be known to the editor, final decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of the manuscript should only be influenced by the scientific quality of the work, and the reviewer’s recommendations. Publishers and/or editors' interests should not influence the final decision.

1.3 Double-Blinded Review

1.4 Confidentiality

Editors must ensure that the review process is double-blinded. They must conceal any author identifier within the manuscript. Discussion between authors and reviewers should only take place through the IJCR platform and under the editor supervision. Editors must also refrain from assigning reviewers that may have an interest in the publication of the corresponding manuscript, such as reviewers from the same institution as the authors.

1.5 Protecting unpublished data

All submissions to IJCR must remain protected and confidential. Any form of work reproduction (presentation, abstract, inclusion in on-going research) without the author's approval is forbidden. Unpublished data cannot be used by the editors or the reviewers without the consent of the authors.

2. Reviewers’ Responsibilities

2.1 Respecting Deadlines

The reviewers of the International Journal of Clinical Research must adhere to the pre-established deadlines both in accepting to review a manuscript as well as in completing the review process. If deadlines are not met, and the reviewer wishes for an extension of the deadline, he/she can contact the assigning editor. The latter will then decide whether an extension is feasible, in line with the IJCR policy of minimizing delays in publications.

2.2 Eligibility

Reviewers who believe that the aim of a submitted manuscript is beyond their scope of knowledge or their field of practice are required to decline the editor’s invitation stating the reason for decline for future references.

2.3 Confidentiality

Reviewers are expected to maintain the utmost level of confidentiality when reviewing a manuscript. Reviewers should not disclose any information or potentially related information about the manuscript during, or after the review process, regardless of whether the manuscript is published or not. Reviewers should only discuss manuscript-related information with the assigned editor through the IJCR platform and mailing system.

2.4 Neutrality, Objectivity and Respect

Should any author or institution related information be cited in the manuscript (i.e., name of the institution where the work has been done, country of origin of the author(s) or subject(s) in the manuscript), the reviewer must remain neutral regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, political views of the authors and/or subject(s). Reviewers must address any comment to the authors in an objective manner, without direct or indirect criticism, while maintaining a respectful, and constructive language.

2.5 Evidence-based Approach

Whenever appropriate, reviewers must cite the corresponding reference to any remark or modification suggested to the authors. A reference should also be provided when reviewers dispute any information presented by the authors. Reviewers are also expected to point out to the authors any previously published relevant and important work that has not been cited in the manuscript, and to the editor, whether such work has overlap or similarities with the submitted manuscript.

3. Authors’ Responsibilities

3.1 Anonymity and Informed Consent

Authors are required to maintain the anonymous identity of the subject(s) presented in their manuscript, during, and after the manuscript publication. This includes avoiding the use of direct or indirect patient identifiers and the refrain of using portrays figures unless deemed necessary for the scope of the work. In any case, authors should provide written consent from the subject itself or its legal representative before any submission is processed by IJCR. In an event where a written consent cannot be secured, authors are required to personally reach out to the subject itself or its legal representative to secure a verbal consent, and to declare it to the IJCR editorial board, justifying the case.

3.2 Institutional Approval

For clinical studies involving human subjects, authors must obtain approval from the institutional review board and ethical committee of the institution where the study will be conducted before its initiation. Authors must adhere to the ethical guidelines of their institution as well as those of international committee, at all stages of the study and manuscript preparation. This includes, but is not limited to, the informed and volunteered participation of subjects in the study, and the refrain from using hazardous chemicals or materials. Procedures whose risks exceed its benefits should not be performed, and the benefit and safety of subjects should precede the benefit to scientific knowledge. Fraudulent or falsified data are strictly prohibited, and if detected, authors will no longer be permitted to submit to IJCR.

3.3 Conflict of Interests

Authors must disclose any conflict of interest that may affect the interpretation of the submitted work. Any funding source should be clearly stated in each manuscript. If no funding was received, it must be declared as well.

3.4 Multiple and Redundant Submissions

Authors are prohibited from submitting their manuscript for review simultaneously to IJCR and another journal. In the event that this happens, the processing of the manuscript will be ceased immediately, and the work will be rejected. In the same line, authors should not submit work or similar works that have been previously published in other journals.

3.5 Erratum

All authors are expected to notify the IJCR Editorial Team if any error or previously unknown false information appeared in their published work. IJCR will then issue a correction or retract the paper, as deemed appropriate, after careful review of the changes declared. Authors are also expected to submit correspondence to any third-party claim challenging the correctness and accuracy of any of their work published at IJCR. The Editorial Team will take responsibility for conveying to the readers shall any error be declared.