Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement

Physical Geography Research is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of ethical publication and preventing unethical practices in publishing. As an esteemed academic journal with indexing in numerous institutions, we strictly adhere to the guidelines and principles established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).. We expect all individuals involved in the publishing process, including authors, reviewers, and editors, to adhere to these ethical standards. This statement on publication ethics and publication malpractice elucidates the responsibilities and expectations of each party, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the research disseminated through Physical Geography Research.

Duties and Responsibilities of Authors:

  1. Originality and Plagiarism: The originality and plagiarism aspect necessitates authors to ensure the uniqueness of their submitted manuscripts. This entails appropriately citing or quoting any work or words borrowed from others. Plagiarism in any form is strictly forbidden.
  2. Data Integrity and Reproducibility: The issue of data integrity and reproducibility requires authors to present accurate and reliable data. Moreover, authors must provide the necessary details and methodologies to facilitate the replication of the research findings. Engaging in any form of falsification, fabrication, or data manipulation is deemed unethical.
  3. Authorship and Acknowledgments: Regarding authorship and acknowledgments, it is imperative that all individuals who have made substantial contributions to the research are acknowledged as co-authors. Authors bear the responsibility of ensuring that all co-authors have thoroughly reviewed and endorsed the final version of the manuscript. Furthermore, any conflicts of interest or financial disclosures must be explicitly stated. Acknowledgments should be included for contributions that do not meet the criteria for authorship.
  4. Multiple Submissions and Redundant Publications: Authors are obliged to refrain from submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals concurrently or publishing redundant work. If any part of the manuscript has been previously published or is currently being considered elsewhere, this information must be disclosed during the submission process.

Duties and Responsibilities of Reviewers:

  1. Confidentiality: Reviewers are obligated to uphold the principle of confidentiality during the peer review process, and they should abstain from divulging any details pertaining to the manuscript or its contents to unauthorized parties.
  2. Objectivity and Timeliness: Reviewers are expected to offer unbiased, constructive, and prompt feedback to the authors, with a specific emphasis on the excellence and soundness of the research. It is essential for reviewers to reveal any personal prejudices or conflicts of interest to the editor of the journal.
  3. Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers should abstain from reviewing manuscripts if they possess a conflict of interest stemming from competitive, collaborative, or other affiliations with any of the authors, institutions, or organizations involved in the research.

Duties and Responsibilities of Editors:

  1. Fairness and Impartiality: Editors should evaluate submitted manuscripts based on their academic merit, without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, nationality, or any other factor. Decisions regarding acceptance, rejection, or revision should be made objectively and transparently.
  2. Confidentiality: Editors must ensure the confidentiality of the submitted manuscripts and the information they contain. The manuscripts should be reviewed and discussed only by those involved in the evaluation process.
  3. Handling of Misconduct: Editors should investigate any allegations of misconduct or ethical violations, following the COPE guidelines. Appropriate measures should be taken if misconduct is identified, including the retraction or correction of published articles.
  4. Conflict of Interest: Editors should recuse themselves from handling manuscripts if they have conflicts of interest or personal relationships with the authors, institutions, or organizations involved.

Publication Malpractice: 

Physical Geography Research places great importance on addressing publication malpractice with utmost seriousness. In the event that any kind of improper behavior, be it plagiarism, falsification of data, or unscrupulous authorship practices, is detected in a published article, the necessary measures will be taken. These measures may involve the issuance of a correction, retraction, or an expression of concern, depending on the gravity of the transgression. Furthermore, Physical Geography Research will thoroughly investigate any allegations of misconduct and implement appropriate measures to prevent such practices from occurring in the future.

By adhering to these guidelines, Physical Geography Research aims to ensure the highest ethical standards in the publication process, promote academic integrity, and maintain the trust of the scientific community and readership.

Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing:

Physical Geography Research is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical publishing, guided by "The 16 Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing." We ensure integrity, credibility, and transparency throughout our publication process. Our Editorial Board, comprising experts in physical geography, provides valuable guidance. Rigorous peer review, independent of undue influence, guarantees the validity and quality of published manuscripts. Authorship integrity, proper acknowledgment of contributors, and a prohibition on plagiarism ensure responsible authorship. We encourage accurate data, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and prompt corrections or retractions when necessary. Copyright and licensing are respected, and privacy and confidentiality are maintained. A Publication Ethics Committee addresses misconduct, while transparency, openness, and clear guidelines promote dialogue. We maintain transparency regarding publication fees and separate advertising from editorial content. Preservation of content and adherence to these principles contribute to a culture of ethical publishing and the advancement of physical geography knowledge. This statement is subject to periodic review to align with evolving best practices.

This publication ethics and publication malpractice statement is subject to periodic review and may be updated to reflect evolving standards and best practices in scholarly publishing.