Complaints and Appeals Policy

Anyone who believes that research published by IMAGO has not been carried out in line with the above principles, should raise their concern with the editor. Concerns will be addressed by following COPE guidelines where possible.

The author involved will be the first to have the opportunity of responding to the allegations made. If the response is not satisfactory, the Editorial Board will resolve the problem either by consulting experts in the matter or by any other means they consider to be appropriate. If the complaint is upheld, the publication of a correction, retraction, expression of concern, or other note, as may be relevant. Every reported act of unethical publishing behaviour must be looked into, even if it is discovered years after publication.

If an author feels the need to make a complaint, s/he should direct it to the editor. The editorial board will then study whether there is a basis for this complaint within the journal’s rules, and will respond to the author as soon as possible: either indicating that there is no case for complaint under the rules, or otherwise by communicating which steps will be taken by the board in order to solve the conflict.

The Journal editor will publish corrections, clarifications or apologies when appropriate, in line with COPE’s Retraction Guidelines. Retractions are usually reserved for articles that are so seriously flawed that their findings or conclusions should not be relied upon.