The International Journal of Neurology maintains a clear policy on Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern, allowing readers, authors, and editors to raise post-publication concerns regarding published articles. When errors or issues that require correction are identified, a formal correction may be published in a subsequent issue of the journal. Retractions may be issued when serious problems affecting the reliability, integrity, or validity of an article are identified after publication. In addition, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern to alert readers to specific aspects of a published article that are under question or investigation.
The International Journal of Neurology follows the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors as guiding principles in such cases.
Scientific misconduct, expressions of concern, and retraction
Scientific misconduct in research and non-research publications includes, but is not limited to, data fabrication, data falsification (including inappropriate image manipulation), plagiarism, and the deliberate failure to disclose relevant relationships or activities. In some contexts, failure to publish the results of clinical trials or other studies involving human participants may also be considered a form of misconduct. These practices are not equivalent, and each case requires individual assessment based on its specific circumstances.
When allegations of scientific misconduct arise, or when concerns are raised regarding the integrity or conduct of work described in submitted or published articles, the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Neurology will initiate appropriate procedures in accordance with guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics. Where appropriate, relevant institutions or funding bodies may be informed. During the investigation process, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern to inform readers while the matter is being reviewed.
If an investigation is conducted by the authors’ institution, the International Journal of Neurology will seek to be informed of the outcome. Where misconduct is confirmed, the journal will publish a retraction of the article. In cases where misconduct is not established but substantive scientific disagreement exists, the journal may publish correspondence or commentary to inform readers of the issue.
Expressions of concern and retractions are published as formal journal items and not merely as letters to the editor. They are clearly identified, indexed, and linked to the original article. Each notice includes the title of the affected article and a full citation. In online versions, retraction notices and the original articles are linked in both directions, and retracted articles are clearly marked as retracted in all formats, including abstracts, full text, and PDF versions.
Whenever possible, retractions are authored by the original authors. If the authors are unwilling or unable to do so, the Editor-in-Chief or other responsible parties may issue the retraction or Expression of Concern. Retraction notices clearly explain the reason for retraction and include a complete reference to the original publication. Retracted articles remain accessible as part of the scholarly record and are clearly labelled to preserve transparency.
The validity of an author’s previous publications cannot be assumed when scientific misconduct has been identified. Editors of the International Journal of Neurology may request assurances from the author’s institution regarding the integrity of other published work or may take additional editorial action, including issuing further Expressions of Concern if necessary.
The integrity of research may also be compromised by serious methodological flaws that undermine the validity of findings. In such cases, retraction may be warranted even in the absence of proven misconduct.