Allegation of Research Misconduct

Frasa

Allegation of Research Misconduct

Frasa defines and handles allegations of research misconduct in line with guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Forms of misconduct

  • Fabrication. Creating fictitious research data or results.
  • Falsification. Manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or data such that the research is not accurately represented.
  • Plagiarism. Using another person's work, ideas, or words without proper attribution, including self-plagiarism (reusing one's own previously published work without citation).
  • Unjustified authorship. Including individuals as authors who did not contribute meaningfully, or excluding individuals who did, without a clear explanation.
  • Undisclosed conflict of interest. Failing to disclose financial or personal relationships that could influence the research or its interpretation.
  • Duplicate or redundant submission. Submitting substantially the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously, or republishing previously published findings as if new.

Reporting a concern

Anyone — including authors, reviewers, readers, or third parties — who suspects misconduct in a submitted or published manuscript may report it to the editorial team through the Contact Us page. Reports should include as much supporting detail and evidence as possible.

Investigation procedure

1

Initial review. The Editor-in-Chief evaluates whether the allegation warrants formal investigation.

2

Clarification. The author(s) are given the opportunity to respond to the allegation before any decision is made.

3

Investigation. The Editorial Board reviews available evidence, which may include consulting the author's institution where appropriate.

4

Decision and action. Depending on the outcome, action may include rejection, correction, or retraction in line with the journal's Retraction policy.

5

Confidentiality. All allegations are handled discreetly to protect the integrity of the process and the individuals involved, until a final decision is reached.