Research misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, citation manipulation, plagiarism, and other serious breaches of research and publication ethics in the conduct, review, reporting of research, implementation of community engagement activities, or preparation of scholarly articles. When authors are suspected of committing research misconduct or other serious irregularities in submitted or published articles, the editors of DEVELOPMENT: Journal of Community Engagement are responsible for safeguarding the accuracy, credibility, and integrity of the scholarly record.
In cases involving suspected research misconduct, the editors and Editorial Board of DEVELOPMENT: Journal of Community Engagement will follow relevant best practices and guidance established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to address allegations and resolve concerns fairly, objectively, and appropriately. The process may include an initial assessment, communication with the authors, requests for clarification or supporting documentation, and further investigation when necessary.
Manuscripts found to contain research misconduct may be rejected. If misconduct is confirmed in a published article, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, retraction, or other appropriate editorial notice according to the seriousness and circumstances of the case.
1. Initial Assessment of Allegations
The first step is to assess the allegation and determine whether it falls within the definition of research misconduct or another breach of publication ethics. The editors will consider the information and evidence provided by the complainant, the seriousness of the allegation, the reliability of the available documentation, and any relevant conflicts of interest that could affect the fair and impartial handling of the case.
Allegations should be supported by sufficient information or evidence to allow an initial editorial assessment. Anonymous allegations may also be considered when they contain credible and verifiable information.
2. Communication with Authors
If there is a reasonable basis to suspect research misconduct or significant irregularities, the corresponding author will be contacted and given an opportunity to provide a detailed response on behalf of the co-authors.
The editors may request explanations, original data, research instruments, documentation of community engagement activities, ethical approval records, informed consent documentation, images, tables, statistical information, or other relevant materials needed to clarify the allegation.
Authors are expected to cooperate fully and provide accurate information within the timeframe determined by the editorial office.
3. Editorial Evaluation and Investigation
The editors will evaluate the authors' response together with the available evidence and may seek additional information when necessary. The journal may also consult independent experts, reviewers, statisticians, ethics specialists, or experts in community engagement and community service where appropriate.
All parties involved will be given a fair opportunity to clarify relevant issues before a final editorial decision is made. Editorial decisions will be based on available evidence, publication ethics standards, and the need to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.
4. Possible Outcomes
If the available evidence does not support the allegation of misconduct, the matter may be closed or resolved through clarification, additional analyses, revisions, or other appropriate measures.
Where errors or deficiencies are identified without evidence of intentional misconduct, DEVELOPMENT: Journal of Community Engagement may request corrections or publish an appropriate editorial notice to maintain the accuracy of the scholarly record.
Depending on the circumstances, editorial actions may include:
- requesting clarification or additional documentation;
- requesting manuscript revision or correction;
- rejecting a submitted manuscript;
- publishing a correction or corrigendum;
- publishing an expression of concern;
- retracting a published article;
- retracting and replacing an article where justified; or
- taking other editorial actions consistent with publication ethics standards.
5. Expression of Concern
If serious concerns are identified but the available evidence is insufficient to reach a definitive conclusion, the journal may issue an Expression of Concern while further investigation is undertaken.
An expression of concern may also be considered when an investigation by an institution or other competent authority is ongoing and the editors believe readers should be informed of potentially significant concerns regarding the reliability or integrity of the published article.
6. Institutional Investigation
Authors' affiliated institutions, research organizations, funding agencies, ethics committees, or other relevant authorities may be contacted when institutional investigation is necessary, particularly in cases involving serious allegations or matters beyond the journal's ability to investigate independently.
The journal recognizes that institutions generally have greater access to research records, original data, personnel, and other information necessary to conduct a comprehensive investigation of alleged research misconduct.
Where appropriate, the editorial team may consider the findings of an institutional investigation when determining the journal's final editorial action.
7. Confidentiality and Procedural Fairness
DEVELOPMENT: Journal of Community Engagement will handle allegations of research misconduct confidentially to the extent reasonably possible while ensuring procedural fairness and protecting the integrity of the investigation.
Information concerning allegations, investigations, and individuals involved will be shared only with persons or institutions that have a legitimate role in evaluating or resolving the matter.
Editors and members of the Editorial Board who have conflicts of interest concerning a case must not participate in the investigation or editorial decision-making process.
8. Protection of the Scholarly Record
Authors, editors, reviewers, readers, institutions, and other relevant parties share responsibility for maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record.
By addressing allegations of research misconduct fairly and transparently and taking appropriate editorial action, including corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, or retractions with replacement where justified, DEVELOPMENT: Journal of Community Engagement is committed to upholding responsible research practices, publication ethics, and the integrity of scholarly publications in the field of community engagement and community service.
