Publication Ethics
To uphold the integrity of scientific publications, gain public trust in scientific discoveries, and recognize authors' contributions, ethical guidelines are firmly established. The following practices should be avoided:
1. Falsification and Fabrication of Data: Falsification occurs when a researcher manipulates data, while fabrication involves the creation of false data. Authors found to have fabricated or falsified results, including image manipulation, may face punitive measures, including the removal of their work from publication.
2. Plagiarism: Plagiarism involves using another person's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment. This includes even copying a single word without citation. Manuscripts found to contain plagiarized content are rejected, and if already published, may be retracted or corrected.
3. Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously is unacceptable. This practice wastes the time of peer reviewers and editors and can harm the credibility of authors and journals. Authors found to have engaged in multiple submissions may face sanctions.
4. Redundant Publications: Publishing several similar papers based on the same research is considered redundant. Authors are encouraged to consolidate their findings into a single comprehensive research paper. Redundant publication may result in sanctions.
5. Incorrect Author Contributions: All listed authors must have made significant scientific contributions to the research and ratified the work. Gift authorship to individuals who did not contribute is prohibited. Submissions made by unauthorized individuals will not be considered, and guilty authors may face rejection of their paper.
6. Modification of Citations: Authors must not manipulate citations to increase the quantity or quality of citations for their own or others' works. Such actions may result in sanctions.
7. Editors and Reviewers: Editors and reviewers should decline involvement with submissions if they have a recent publication or a current submission or share a relationship with any author. They must disclose any prior discussions with authors about the manuscript.
Sanctions: PNSPS may impose the following sanctions for violations of our publication ethics guidelines:
- Rejection of the manuscript and subsequent submissions by the author(s).
- A two-year ban on author(s) submitting manuscripts.
- Prohibition from serving as an editor or reviewer.
- Additional sanctions for serious ethical violations.
Reporting Violations: Suspected breaches of publication ethics should be reported to the Editor-in-Chief or the President of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences.
Corrections and Retractions: Errors in published articles will be addressed through corrections or retractions, depending on the severity of the issue and evidence of misconduct.
Research Ethics Policy for Studies Involving Human Subjects
Our journal requires that all research involving human subjects adheres to the highest ethical standards to ensure the protection of participants' rights and well-being. The following guidelines must be followed:
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Informed Consent: Researchers must obtain informed consent from all participants prior to their involvement in the study. Participants should be fully informed about the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits of the research, and their consent must be given voluntarily without any coercion.
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Participant Anonymity and Confidentiality: The privacy and confidentiality of all participants must be strictly maintained. Personal data should be anonymized or coded to prevent identification unless explicit consent has been obtained to disclose such information. Researchers are responsible for ensuring that all data is securely stored and only accessible to authorized personnel.
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Protection of Participant Rights: Participants' rights to autonomy, dignity, and privacy must be respected at all times. Researchers should implement procedures to minimize any potential harm or discomfort to participants. Participants must be informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.
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Ethical Review and Approval: All studies involving human subjects must undergo ethical review and receive approval from an appropriate ethics review board or institutional review committee prior to the commencement of the research. Researchers should provide evidence of such approval when submitting their manuscript for publication.
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Reporting and Accountability: Any adverse events or ethical issues that arise during the course of the study must be promptly reported to the relevant authorities and addressed in a manner that prioritizes the safety and rights of participants.
Authorship Statement
All authors listed on a manuscript should have made significant contributions to the research work and the preparation of the manuscript. Each author is expected to have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content. This includes involvement in one or more of the following areas: study conception, design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of results, or drafting and revising the manuscript. By agreeing to be listed as an author, each contributor affirms their approval of the final version of the manuscript and agrees to be accountable for the integrity and accuracy of the work.
Conflict of Interest Statement (for Authors)
Authors are required to disclose any financial or personal relationships that may bias their work or create a conflict of interest. This includes, but is not limited to, affiliations, financial interests, or collaborations with organizations or individuals that could be perceived as influencing the research findings. All conflicts of interest, whether potential or actual, must be clearly stated in the manuscript at the time of submission. If no conflicts exist, authors should provide a statement to that effect. Transparency in disclosing conflicts of interest is essential to maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the published research.
By adhering to these ethical principles, researchers contribute to the integrity of the research process and the protection of human subjects involved in scientific studies.
For any concerns regarding publication ethics, please contact Editor-in-Chief at editor-in-chief@pnsps.nsps.org.ng or the President, Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences at president@nsps.org.ng.
