Publication Ethics

At Journal of Sulaimani Medical College, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics. We adhere to the Best-Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in 2011. These guidelines provide a framework for maintaining integrity, fairness, and transparency in the publication process. We strive to foster an environment that promotes ethical conduct for all stakeholders involved in our journal, including editors, authors, reviewers, and readers.

1. Editorial Responsibilities:
   1.1. Editorial Independence: We ensure editorial autonomy and independence from external influences, allowing editors to make unbiased decisions based solely on the academic merit of submissions.
   1.2. Peer Review Process: We employ a rigorous and fair peer review process to assess the quality and originality of submitted manuscripts, ensuring impartiality, confidentiality, and timely completion of reviews.
   1.3. Editorial Decision Making: Editors make decisions based on academic importance, originality, relevance, and validity of the research, while avoiding any conflicts of interest or personal bias.
   1.4. Corrections and Retractions: We promptly address and correct errors, inaccuracies, or misleading information, and ensure the availability of mechanisms for article retractions or corrections when necessary.

2. Editorial Responsibilities:
   2.1. Editorial Independence: We ensure editorial autonomy and independence from external influences, allowing editors to make unbiased decisions based solely on the academic merit of submissions.
   2.2. Peer Review Process: We employ a rigorous and fair peer review process to assess the quality and originality of submitted manuscripts, ensuring impartiality, confidentiality, and timely completion of reviews.
   2.3. Editorial Decision Making: Editors make decisions based on academic importance, originality, relevance, and validity of the research, while avoiding any conflicts of interest or personal bias.
   2.4. Corrections and Retractions: We promptly address and correct errors, inaccuracies, or misleading information, and ensure the availability of mechanisms for article retractions or corrections when necessary.

3. Author Responsibilities:
   3.1. Originality and Plagiarism: Authors are expected to submit original work, properly citing and acknowledging the contributions of others. Plagiarism, in any form, is strictly prohibited.
   3.2. Data and Results Integrity: Authors must ensure the accuracy and integrity of their research, presenting their findings honestly and transparently.
   3.3. Multiple Submissions and Redundant Publications: Authors should not submit the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously, nor publish redundant or overlapping work.
   3.4. Authorship and Acknowledgments: Only those who have made significant contributions to the research should be listed as authors, while all contributors and funding sources should be appropriately acknowledged.
   3.5. Conflict of Interest: Authors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation.

4. Author Responsibilities:
   4.1. Originality and Plagiarism: Authors are expected to submit original work, properly citing and acknowledging the contributions of others. Plagiarism, in any form, is strictly prohibited.
   4.2. Data and Results Integrity: Authors must ensure the accuracy and integrity of their research, presenting their findings honestly and transparently.
   4.3. Multiple Submissions and Redundant Publications: Authors should not submit the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously, nor publish redundant or overlapping work.
   4.4. Authorship and Acknowledgments: Only those who have made significant contributions to the research should be listed as authors, while all contributors and funding sources should be appropriately acknowledged.
   4.5. Conflict of Interest: Authors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation.

5. Reader Responsibilities:
   5.1. Respect for Copyright: Readers must respect the copyright of published articles and obtain appropriate permissions for any use beyond fair use, as defined by relevant copyright laws.
   5.2. Reporting Ethical Concerns: Readers are encouraged to report any ethical concerns, including plagiarism, data fabrication, or other misconduct observed in published articles.