Retraction & Correction

IJR committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or issues may occasionally be identified after an article has been published. Therefore, the journal provides mechanisms for correcting, retracting, or issuing an expression of concern regarding published articles when necessary.

The journal follows the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in handling post-publication corrections and retractions.

1. Correction Policy

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article but the overall findings, interpretation, and conclusions remain reliable.

Corrections may include, but are not limited to:

  • factual or typographical errors that could affect the understanding of the article;
  • errors in tables, figures, or supplementary materials;
  • incorrect author information or affiliation;
  • errors in references or citations;
  • minor errors in data or analysis that do not invalidate the main findings; and
  • other errors that require clarification to maintain the accuracy of the published record.

A correction notice will clearly identify the original article and describe the correction made. Where appropriate, the correction notice will be linked electronically to the original article.

2. Retraction Policy

An article may be retracted when there is clear evidence that its findings, data, or conclusions are unreliable or invalid. Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and protect readers from relying on substantially unreliable research, rather than to punish the authors.

Reasons for retraction may include:

  • fabrication or falsification of data;
  • substantial plagiarism;
  • duplicate or redundant publication;
  • serious research or publication misconduct;
  • major errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions;
  • unethical research practices;
  • substantial manipulation of the peer-review process;
  • serious undeclared conflicts of interest that materially affect the interpretation of the research;
  • copyright or legal violations that affect the validity or availability of the publication; or
  • other circumstances in which the article can no longer be considered a reliable part of the scholarly record.

A retraction may be initiated by the Editor-in-Chief, the Editorial Board, the authors, or other appropriate parties when credible evidence is presented.

3. Retraction Procedure

When a potential reason for retraction is identified, the journal will conduct an appropriate investigation and may request an explanation or supporting evidence from the authors and/or their affiliated institutions.

The journal will evaluate the available evidence and determine whether correction, retraction, or an expression of concern is appropriate.

If retraction is warranted:

  1. A formal retraction notice will be published.
  2. The notice will clearly identify the retracted article, including its title, authors, publication information, and DOI where applicable.
  3. The reason for retraction will be clearly stated.
  4. The retraction notice will be permanently linked to the original article.
  5. The original article will remain accessible where technically and ethically appropriate, but it will be clearly marked as “RETRACTED.”
  6. The retraction notice will be freely accessible to readers.

These practices are consistent with COPE guidance, which recommends that retraction notices be clearly identified, freely available, linked to the original publication, and state the reason for retraction.

4. Expression of Concern

If there are serious concerns regarding the reliability or integrity of a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to make a final decision, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern.

An Expression of Concern may be issued while an investigation by the journal, authors' institution, or another appropriate body is ongoing. Once sufficient evidence becomes available, the journal may subsequently publish a correction, retraction, or other appropriate notice.

5. Author-Initiated Corrections or Retractions

Authors who discover significant errors or potential problems in their published work are encouraged to immediately notify the journal's Editorial Office.

The Editor-in-Chief will assess the information provided and determine the appropriate action in accordance with the journal's editorial policies and publication ethics principles.

An author's request for retraction does not automatically result in retraction. The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board after consideration of the evidence.

6. Post-Publication Integrity

IJREMI is committed to preserving a transparent and reliable scholarly record. All post-publication actions, including corrections, retractions, and Expressions of Concern, will be clearly identified and appropriately linked to the original publication.

The journal may also cooperate with authors' institutions, editors, publishers, and other relevant organizations when investigating research or publication integrity concerns.

The journal follows relevant COPE guidelines and flowcharts when handling suspected publication misconduct and post-publication concerns.