Complaints Policy
Procedure for handling complaints regarding violations of academic integrity and publication ethics
The editorial board of the journal aims to respond promptly and constructively to all received complaints and to resolve them effectively. Each case is considered individually, depending on its nature and complexity, and all decisions are made in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Complaints or suggestions should be submitted to the journal’s email address: kaf-pcbis@nuwm.edu.ua. A complaint must be clear, concise, and supported by sufficient evidence of a potential violation of publication ethics. Where possible, supporting documents should be attached.
The Editor-in-Chief or Executive Secretary conducts an initial review of the complaint within 7 to 10 working days. If the complaint is unfounded, the applicant receives a reasoned refusal. If there are indications of a violation, a formal investigation is initiated.
For an objective review, a temporary committee is established, which may include:
- Members of the editorial board without conflicts of interest;
- Independent experts, if necessary;
- Representatives of the founding institution.
The editorial board formally notifies the individual concerned, whether author or reviewer, and provides an opportunity to submit an explanation within a specified period of up to 14 days. Until a final decision is made, the details of the investigation are not disclosed to third parties.
Following the investigation, the committee adopts one of the following decisions:
- rejection of the complaint if no violation is found;
- requirement to issue a correction if the violation is minor or unintentional;
- rejection of the manuscript if the violation is identified during the review stage;
- retraction of the article if the violation is identified after publication.
The editorial board officially informs both the complainant and the concerned party of the decision. In cases of confirmed serious violations, the journal reserves the right to inform the author’s affiliated institution.
If personal complaints are submitted against authors, editors, reviewers, or members of the editorial board that fall outside the journal’s scope, the journal will respond with an explanation. Complaints formulated in an abusive, threatening, or defamatory manner will not be considered.
