Publication Ethics and Research Integrity

Contents

1. General Ethical Principles
2. Responsibilities of Authors
3. Responsibilities of Editors
4. Responsibilities of Reviewers
5. Peer Review Policy
6. Originality, Plagiarism and Redundant Publication
7. Authorship and Contributorship
8. Data Integrity and Transparency
9. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
10. Corrections, Retractions and Expressions of Concern
11. Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Tools
12. Ethical Standards for Research Involving Humans and Animals
13. Enforcement of Ethical Standards and Ethical Oversight

Tethys Environmental Science is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing. This policy defines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher in accordance with internationally accepted principles of scholarly publishing and research integrity, inspired by the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

All parties involved in the publication process are expected to adhere to these principles to ensure transparency, fairness, and trust in scientific communication.

1. General Ethical Principles

The journal is founded on the principles of honesty, objectivity, accountability, and respect for intellectual work. Scientific misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misrepresentation of data, is strictly prohibited.

The journal seeks to preserve the credibility of the scholarly record and to promote responsible research and publication practices.

2. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to Tethys Environmental Science must ensure that their work is original and has not been published or submitted elsewhere.

• Reporting research findings truthfully and without manipulation of data or results.
• Properly acknowledging all sources and contributions through appropriate citation.
• Ensuring that all listed authors have made significant scholarly contributions and approved the final manuscript.
• Disclosing any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence interpretation.
• Complying with applicable ethical standards for environmental research.
• Promptly informing the editorial office of significant errors after publication.

Redundant publication and duplicate submission are considered unethical practices.

3. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for safeguarding the quality and integrity of the journal. Editorial decisions are based solely on scientific merit and relevance.

• Conducting peer review fairly, impartially, and confidentially.
• Evaluating manuscripts without discrimination.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest.
• Taking action when ethical concerns arise.
• Issuing corrections or retractions when required.

4. Responsibilities of Reviewers

• Providing objective, constructive, and timely reviews.
• Treating manuscripts as confidential documents.
• Identifying relevant uncited research.
• Reporting ethical or originality concerns to editors.
• Declining reviews when conflicts of interest exist.

5. Peer Review Policy

The journal applies a single-blind peer review system. Manuscripts are reviewed by at least two independent experts. Final decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief.

6. Originality, Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

All manuscripts are screened using similarity detection software. Duplicate publication, self-plagiarism, and unjustified reuse of material are not permitted.

7. Authorship and Contributorship

• Approval of the final manuscript
• Acceptance of responsibility for the content
• Accurate representation of contributor roles

Guest or honorary authorship is not acceptable.

8. Data Integrity and Transparency

Authors should retain original data and make it available upon reasonable request. Data manipulation or selective reporting is prohibited.

9. Conflict of Interest Disclosure

All parties must disclose relationships that could influence research or editorial decisions.

10. Corrections, Retractions and Expressions of Concern

• Publication of corrections
• Issuance of retractions
• Expressions of concern during investigations

11. Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Tools

• AI tools may assist language editing only.
• AI systems cannot be listed as authors.
• AI use must be disclosed.
• AI must not fabricate data or conclusions.

12. Ethical Standards for Research Involving Humans and Animals

Ethical approval from an authorized committee or IRB must be obtained and reported. Informed consent and animal welfare compliance are mandatory.

13. Enforcement of Ethical Standards and Ethical Oversight

The journal investigates all allegations of misconduct and may contact institutions when necessary.

Final Statement

Submission of a manuscript signifies agreement with this Publication Ethics and Research Integrity Policy.