Handling Complaints and Allegations of Research Misconduct

Submission of Complaints

Complaints or allegations of misconduct related to submitted or published articles should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief, Editor or the Publisher using the contact information provided on the journal's website. Complainants are should to supply sufficient evidence to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Initial Assessment

Upon receipt, the Editorial Board will conduct a preliminary assessment of the complaint to determine its validity and relevance. If the complaint falls within the journal's scope and is supported by credible evidence, a formal investigation will be initiated.

Investigation Process

The investigation will be conducted in accordance with COPE's guidelines, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation. This process may involve:
Requesting a detailed response from the individual(s) against whom the complaint is made.

Consulting with external experts or reviewers to provide specialized insight.

The Editorial Board reserves the right to contact the author’s affiliated institution if necessary. This communication may include requesting information about issues such as disputed authorship, misleading reporting, conflicts of interest, or unintentional errors that could impact the reliability of the published work.

Resolution and Outcomes

After a comprehensive review, the editorial board will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include:
Dismissing the complaint if it is found to be unsubstantiated.

Issuing a correction or clarification in cases of minor errors.

Retracting the article in instances of significant misconduct, such as data fabrication, plagiarism, or ethical breaches.

Notifying relevant authorities or institutions if the misconduct has broader implications. 

The complainant and the respondent will be informed of the outcome, and any necessary corrections or retractions will be prominently published in the journal.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

To protect the rights and privacy of all parties involved, the journal will handle all complaints and investigations with strict confidentiality. Anonymity will be maintained unless disclosure is necessary for the resolution of the case and both parties consent to the revelation of identities. 

The Editorial Board of the New Journal of Urology undertake a thorough process for dealing with complaints and allegations of research misconduct in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

Last Revised on January, 2025