Corrections, Expressions of Concern and Retractions Policy
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Corrections, Expressions of Concern and Retractions Policy
Post-publication actions are guided by the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and Crossref best practices on version control, corrections and retractions, with the aim of preserving the integrity, transparency and traceability of the scholarly record.
Crossref recognises 12 types of update: addendum, clarification, correction, corrigendum, erratum, expression of concern, new edition, new version, partial retraction, removal, retraction and withdrawal. These categories will be applied where appropriate, according to the nature and relevance of each case and in accordance with COPE ethical guidance.
Erratum
An erratum is published when an editorial, technical or production error requiring public rectification is identified without compromising the validity of the results or conclusions. Minor changes that do not affect the scientific content may be corrected without issuing a separate notice.
Correction
A correction is issued when errors or omissions are identified that affect the accuracy, interpretation or attribution of the article but do not invalidate its main findings.
Expression of Concern
An expression of concern may be published when there are substantiated concerns regarding the integrity or reliability of an article and the available information is insufficient to determine whether a correction or retraction is warranted, or while a relevant investigation is under way.
Retraction
A retraction will be issued when sufficient evidence indicates that the findings or conclusions are unreliable due to serious errors or scientific misconduct, or when other ethical breaches justify this measure. Retraction does not necessarily imply deliberate misconduct by the authors.
Procedure and Traceability
Every case will be documented and evaluated impartially, giving authors the opportunity to respond. Editorially significant updates will be communicated through separate notices linked to the original article and registered with Crossref with their corresponding DOI. Retracted articles will remain accessible, clearly identified and accompanied by a notice explaining the reasons, except in exceptional circumstances that justify their removal.
Observations intended exclusively for scientific debate, without requiring modifications to the published record, will be handled in accordance with the Post-Publication Academic Discussion Policy established in the Post-Publication Academic Discussion Policy. Complaints and appeals concerning editorial decisions or procedures will be handled in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy.