1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press recognises that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs), are increasingly used in research and academic writing. While such technologies may support efficiency and language refinement, they must not compromise the integrity, originality, transparency, or accountability of scholarly work.

Aligned with:

• COPE Core Practices
• ICMJE Recommendations
• STM AI Guidance

2. Core Principles Governing AI Use

2.1 Human Accountability

• Authors remain fully responsible for accuracy, analysis, and conclusions.
• AI tools cannot be listed as authors.
• AI cannot assume legal or ethical responsibility.

2.2 Transparency and Disclosure

Any use of AI tools must be declared in the manuscript (Methods section or AI Usage Statement), including:

• Name of the AI tool
• Version (if applicable)
• Purpose of use
• Scope of contribution

Failure to disclose AI use may result in editorial action.

2.3 Integrity of the Scholarly Record

AI must not be used to fabricate data, create false references, manipulate results, or generate misleading claims.

3. Permitted and Prohibited AI Use

Permitted (With Disclosure)

• Language editing and grammar correction
• Structural refinement of author-written content
• Translation (authors remain responsible)
• Formatting assistance
• Literature search assistance (must verify references)

Not Permitted

• Generating original research data or results
• Creating fabricated references
• Writing peer review reports on behalf of reviewers
• Uploading confidential manuscripts into AI systems
• Producing AI-generated conclusions without author input

4. AI and Authorship

• AI cannot be listed as an author.
• AI cannot approve final manuscripts.
• All authors must independently meet authorship criteria.

5. AI in Data Analysis

AI may be used in computational modelling or statistical analysis if:

• Methodology is clearly described
• Training data sources are disclosed
• Bias mitigation strategies are explained
• Reproducibility details are provided

6. AI in Peer Review

The peer review process at Veridion Press is strictly confidential and relies on independent, expert human judgment. Reviewers are entrusted with unpublished scholarly material and must protect the integrity, confidentiality, and intellectual property of the manuscript at all times.

Reviewers must not upload submitted manuscripts, supplementary files, data, figures, reviewer reports, or editorial correspondence into any generative AI system, including publicly accessible Large Language Models (LLMs) or third-party AI platforms. Uploading confidential material into such systems may violate data protection laws, intellectual property rights, and journal confidentiality agreements.

Reviewers must also not use AI tools to:

• Generate full or partial peer review reports.
• Draft acceptance, rejection, or revision recommendations.
• Summarise manuscripts for decision-making purposes.
• Evaluate methodological validity or statistical integrity in place of expert assessment.

While minor language refinement of a reviewer’s own independently written comments may be acceptable, the intellectual analysis, critique, and recommendation must be entirely the reviewer’s own work.

Any reviewer found to have breached confidentiality by using generative AI systems inappropriately may be removed from the reviewer database and barred from future review assignments. Serious breaches may be reported to the reviewer’s institution.

If a reviewer is uncertain about whether a specific AI-assisted action is permissible, they should contact the editorial office prior to proceeding:

📩 editor@veridionpress.org

7. AI and Image Generation

Permitted (With Disclosure)

• Conceptual diagrams
• Graphical abstracts
• Educational illustrations

Not Permitted

• AI-generated clinical or experimental data images
• Synthetic laboratory results presented as real data
• Manipulated research images without disclosure

8. Data Privacy & Confidentiality

Veridion Press is committed to safeguarding confidential information, protecting participant privacy, and ensuring compliance with applicable data protection regulations. The use of Artificial Intelligence tools must not compromise the confidentiality of unpublished scholarly work or sensitive research data.

Authors, reviewers, and editors must not upload, submit, or expose any of the following materials to publicly accessible or third-party generative AI systems:

• Unpublished manuscripts or draft versions of submissions
• Supplementary materials and datasets not yet publicly available
• Peer review reports or editorial correspondence
• Participant-identifiable data, including personal, medical, demographic, or institutional information
• Confidential grant, funding, or contractual documentation

Many publicly available AI platforms retain, process, or reuse submitted information for training or system improvement purposes. Uploading confidential material into such systems may constitute a breach of intellectual property rights, research ethics approvals, institutional policies, contractual agreements, or applicable data protection laws.

Where research involves human participants, authors are responsible for ensuring compliance with:

• Applicable data protection legislation (including GDPR where relevant)
• Institutional ethics committee conditions
• Informed consent agreements
• National and international privacy regulations

Authors must ensure that any AI-assisted analysis of sensitive data is conducted within secure, institutionally approved environments that meet recognised data governance and cybersecurity standards.

Breaches of confidentiality related to AI usage may result in investigation under the Research Integrity Policy and could lead to rejection, correction, retraction, or institutional notification where appropriate.

For questions regarding data privacy, confidentiality, or AI-related data handling, please contact:

📩 ethics@veridionpress.org
📩 integrity@veridionpress.org

9. AI Misuse & Consequences

If AI misuse is suspected, Veridion Press may:

• Request raw drafts or revision history
• Conduct AI-detection screening
• Contact institutions if necessary

Possible outcomes include rejection, correction, retraction, or editorial ban in severe cases.

10. Reporting AI Concerns

AI-related concerns may be reported confidentially to:

Research Integrity Office
📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Regardless of AI involvement, authors remain solely responsible for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of their work. AI is a tool; responsibility remains human.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to ensuring that all research involving animals is conducted in accordance with internationally recognised ethical, legal, and welfare standards. We support responsible scientific advancement while prioritising humane treatment, regulatory compliance, and transparency in reporting.

This policy is aligned with internationally recognised standards and legislation, including:

• UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended 2012)
• UK Animal Welfare Act 2006
• EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes
• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Academies / NIH)
• NC3Rs – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs)
• AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals
• ARRIVE Reporting Guidelines

Authors must ensure full compliance with the laws and regulatory frameworks applicable in the jurisdiction where the research was conducted.

2. Ethical Review and Regulatory Approval

All animal studies must have received prior approval from an appropriate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Animal Ethics Committee, or equivalent regulatory body.

Manuscripts must clearly state:

• Name of the approving committee or regulatory authority
• Protocol or approval number
• Statement confirming compliance with national legislation
• Date of approval (where applicable)

Failure to provide evidence of ethical approval may result in immediate rejection or formal investigation.

3. The 3Rs Principle

Veridion Press requires authors to demonstrate adherence to the internationally recognised 3Rs framework:

• Replacement – Use of validated alternatives whenever possible.
• Reduction – Use of the minimum number of animals necessary to achieve statistically valid results.
• Refinement – Modification of procedures to minimise pain, distress, and suffering.

Authors should explicitly describe how these principles were integrated into study design.

4. Animal Welfare and Housing Standards

Animal housing, care, and husbandry must comply with recognised welfare standards. Authors must report:

• Species, strain, sex, age, and weight
• Housing conditions (temperature, light cycle, enrichment)
• Feeding protocols
• Veterinary oversight arrangements
• Monitoring procedures for health and wellbeing

Research must not expose animals to unnecessary pain or prolonged distress.

5. Anaesthesia, Analgesia, and Humane Endpoints

The use of anaesthesia and analgesia must be clearly described and scientifically justified. Humane endpoints must be defined prior to study initiation.

Euthanasia procedures must follow internationally accepted veterinary standards, including:

• AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals
• National veterinary regulatory guidance

Methods likely to cause severe or prolonged suffering must be scientifically justified and ethically approved.

6. Wildlife and Field Research

Studies involving wildlife, endangered species, or field capture must comply with conservation laws and obtain appropriate permits.

Authors must confirm:

• Permit numbers (where applicable)
• Compliance with environmental protection regulations
• Minimisation of ecological disruption

7. Reporting and Transparency

Manuscripts must comply with the ARRIVE Guidelines to ensure transparent reporting and reproducibility. Insufficient methodological reporting may result in requests for revision prior to peer review.

8. Editorial Oversight and Investigations

If concerns arise regarding animal welfare compliance, Veridion Press may:

• Request documentary evidence of ethical approval
• Seek clarification from authors
• Consult independent experts
• Notify institutional authorities
• Reject, correct, or retract the publication

Investigations are conducted in accordance with our Research Integrity & Publication Ethics Policy.

9. Non-Compliance and Consequences

Serious breaches of animal welfare legislation, ethical approval misrepresentation, or data falsification may result in:

• Immediate manuscript rejection
• Retraction of published articles
• Institutional notification
• Submission bans in severe or repeated cases

10. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding animal welfare, ethical approval validity, or research misconduct may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Authors bear full responsibility for ensuring that animal research is conducted legally, ethically, and transparently. Veridion Press is committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press requires accurate, complete, and transparent attribution of all sources used in scholarly work. Proper citation is fundamental to academic integrity, intellectual honesty, and the preservation of the scholarly record.

All submissions must ensure that ideas, data, figures, methodologies, and previously published materials are clearly attributed to their original sources. Failure to provide appropriate attribution may constitute plagiarism, misrepresentation, or ethical misconduct.

2. Governing Standards

Our citation expectations are aligned with internationally recognised standards, including:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• ICMJE Recommendations
• APA Style Guidelines
• Discipline-specific citation standards where applicable

Authors must follow the citation style prescribed in the manuscript preparation guidelines for the relevant journal or publication format.

3. Author Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

• All referenced works are accurately cited in-text and in the reference list.
• Direct quotations are clearly marked and properly referenced.
• Paraphrased content is appropriately attributed.
• All data sources are transparently acknowledged.
• Permission has been obtained for copyrighted material where required.
• Self-citations are justified and not excessive.
• All references are verified for accuracy and authenticity.

4. Accuracy and Verification of References

Authors must ensure that all references:

• Are complete and correctly formatted.
• Correspond accurately to cited sources.
• Include valid DOIs or URLs where available.
• Are not fabricated, manipulated, or generated without verification.

The submission of fabricated, non-existent, or AI-generated unverified references constitutes serious research misconduct.

5. Citation Manipulation

Veridion Press strictly prohibits citation manipulation, including:

• Excessive self-citation to inflate metrics.
• Coercive citation practices.
• Irrelevant citation padding.
• Citation cartels or reciprocal citation agreements.
• Requests to add citations unrelated to the manuscript’s content.

Editors and reviewers must not request unnecessary citations to their own work or affiliated publications.

6. AI-Generated Citations

If AI tools are used for literature search assistance, authors must independently verify all references. AI-generated citations that are inaccurate, incomplete, or fabricated are not acceptable.

Authors remain fully responsible for validating every reference included in the manuscript.

7. Attribution of Third-Party Content

Authors must obtain written permission where required for:

• Previously published figures or tables
• Extended quotations
• Reproduced copyrighted material
• Adapted diagrams or images

Proper credit lines must accompany all reproduced or adapted materials.

8. Post-Publication Citation Corrections

If citation errors are identified after publication, Veridion Press may:

• Issue a correction notice.
• Amend metadata.
• Update DOI-linked records.
• Retract the article in cases of serious misrepresentation.

9. Editorial Oversight

The editorial office may conduct citation screening, plagiarism checks, and reference validation during review and production stages.

Suspected citation manipulation or misattribution will be investigated in accordance with the Research Integrity Policy.

10. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding citation integrity, plagiarism, or misattribution may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Accurate citation and proper attribution are essential to scholarly credibility. Authors bear full responsibility for ensuring that all sources are acknowledged honestly, accurately, and transparently.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press upholds transparent and accountable authorship practices in accordance with internationally recognised standards. Authorship confers both credit and responsibility. All individuals listed as authors must meet established authorship criteria and agree to take public responsibility for the content of the work.

This policy is aligned with:

• ICMJE Recommendations
• COPE Core Practices

2. Authorship Criteria

To qualify as an author, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

• Substantial contributions to the conception, design, data acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of the research.
• Drafting the work or critically revising it for important intellectual content.
• Approval of the final version to be published.
• Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work and to address questions related to accuracy or integrity.

Individuals who do not meet all criteria should not be listed as authors but may be acknowledged appropriately.

3. Contributorship Transparency

Veridion Press encourages clear disclosure of each author’s specific contributions. Authors may be required to provide a contributorship statement detailing roles such as:

• Conceptualisation
• Methodology
• Data curation
• Formal analysis
• Funding acquisition
• Supervision
• Writing – original draft
• Writing – review and editing

All authors must confirm agreement with the contributorship declaration at submission.

4. Corresponding Author Responsibilities

The corresponding author is responsible for:

• Ensuring all authors meet authorship criteria.
• Obtaining consent from all co-authors prior to submission.
• Managing communication between the editorial office and co-authors.
• Ensuring accuracy of author details and affiliations.

5. Prohibited Authorship Practices

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

• Guest (Honorary) Authorship – Listing individuals who did not make qualifying contributions.
• Ghost Authorship – Excluding individuals who made substantial contributions.
• Gift Authorship – Adding authors for non-academic reasons.
• Misrepresentation of affiliations.

Such practices constitute research misconduct and may lead to investigation and corrective action.

6. Changes to Authorship Before Publication

Requests to add, remove, or reorder authors before publication must:

• Be submitted in writing by the corresponding author.
• Include a detailed explanation for the change.
• Include written confirmation from all listed authors agreeing to the modification.

The editorial office reserves the right to request additional documentation before approving any authorship changes.

7. Changes to Authorship After Publication

Post-publication authorship changes are subject to stricter review. Requests must:

• Be supported by all authors (including those being added or removed).
• Provide a clear and documented rationale.
• Be evaluated under the Research Integrity framework.

If approved, Veridion Press may issue a correction notice updating the published record.

In cases of dispute, the journal may defer resolution to the relevant institution(s) and suspend editorial action until the matter is resolved.

8. Authorship Disputes

Veridion Press does not adjudicate authorship disputes but may facilitate communication. Primary responsibility for resolving disputes lies with the authors’ affiliated institutions.

The journal may:

• Request institutional investigation.
• Pause peer review or publication.
• Issue corrections or retractions if necessary.

9. AI and Authorship

Artificial Intelligence tools cannot be listed as authors. AI systems cannot meet authorship criteria, approve final versions, or accept accountability.

10. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding authorship integrity, undisclosed contributors, or unethical authorship practices may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Authorship carries both recognition and responsibility. Veridion Press expects transparency, fairness, and accountability in all authorship declarations to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to preserving the integrity of scholarly citation practices. Citations must serve a legitimate scholarly purpose and reflect genuine intellectual engagement with relevant literature.

Citation manipulation—defined as the deliberate and inappropriate use of references to influence bibliometric indicators or distort the scholarly record—is strictly prohibited.

This policy is aligned with:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• ICMJE Recommendations
• Responsible Metrics Principles (e.g., DORA, Leiden Manifesto)

2. What Constitutes Citation Manipulation

Citation manipulation may occur at the author, reviewer, editor, or institutional level and includes, but is not limited to:

• Excessive self-citation intended to inflate citation metrics.
• Coercive citation requests unrelated to the manuscript’s subject matter.
• Citation padding with irrelevant references.
• Reciprocal citation agreements (“citation cartels”).
• Systematic citation of a specific journal to artificially increase impact metrics.
• Inclusion of citations without having consulted the source.
• AI-generated fabricated or unverifiable references.

3. Author Responsibilities

Authors must ensure that:

• All citations are directly relevant to the manuscript.
• Self-citations are proportionate and justified.
• All cited works have been consulted and verified.
• No citations are included solely to increase metrics or appease editorial influence.

Authors must not agree to add unnecessary citations if requested during peer review. If concerns arise, authors should contact the editorial office.

4. Reviewer and Editor Conduct

Reviewers and editors must not:

• Request citations to their own work unless directly relevant and scientifically justified.
• Require citation of articles from a specific journal without clear scholarly relevance.
• Use editorial authority to influence citation patterns for metric gain.

Any suggestion to add citations must be supported by a clear academic rationale.

5. Detection and Screening

Veridion Press may monitor citation patterns for irregularities, including:

• Unusual clusters of citations.
• Disproportionate self-citation rates.
• Repeated citation of specific journals without justification.
• Patterns consistent with citation cartels.

Editorial teams may conduct citation audits during peer review or post-publication.

6. Investigation and Outcomes

If citation manipulation is suspected, Veridion Press may:

• Request clarification from authors.
• Seek independent editorial review.
• Consult institutional authorities.
• Reject the manuscript.
• Issue a correction or retraction.
• Restrict future submissions in severe cases.

Investigations will be conducted in accordance with the Research Integrity & Publication Ethics Policy.

7. Post-Publication Review

If citation manipulation is identified after publication, Veridion Press may:

• Issue a correction notice.
• Update metadata and indexing records.
• Publish an expression of concern.
• Retract the article in serious cases.

8. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding citation manipulation or coercive citation practices may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Citations are intended to acknowledge prior scholarship and support academic dialogue—not to influence metrics or rankings. Veridion Press expects all contributors to uphold responsible citation practices to preserve the credibility of the scholarly record.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press requires prospective registration of all clinical trials involving human participants. Trial registration promotes transparency, accountability, and public trust by preventing selective reporting and undisclosed protocol modifications.

This policy is aligned with:

• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
• World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)
• CONSORT Reporting Guidelines
• COPE Core Practices

2. What Constitutes a Clinical Trial

A clinical trial is defined as any research study that prospectively assigns human participants to health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Drug and biologic intervention studies
• Surgical or procedural interventions
• Behavioural or psychological interventions
• Preventive or diagnostic trials
• Randomised controlled trials (RCTs)

3. Registration Requirements

All clinical trials must be registered in a publicly accessible registry prior to enrolment of the first participant.

Acceptable registries include:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• ISRCTN Registry
• WHO ICTRP-approved registries
• National regulatory trial registries recognised by WHO

Manuscripts must include:

• Registry name
• Registration number
• Date of registration

4. Prospective vs Retrospective Registration

Prospective registration (before participant enrolment) is required.

Retrospective registration may be considered only in exceptional circumstances and must be clearly disclosed in the manuscript. Acceptance of retrospectively registered trials is at the discretion of the editorial office.

5. Protocol Transparency

Authors must ensure that:

• The registered protocol matches the submitted manuscript.
• Primary and secondary outcomes are clearly defined.
• Any protocol deviations are transparently disclosed and justified.

Selective outcome reporting or undisclosed protocol changes may be treated as research misconduct.

6. Ethical Approval

All clinical trials must have received approval from an appropriate ethics committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Manuscripts must include:

• Name of the approving body
• Approval reference number
• Statement confirming informed consent was obtained

7. Data Monitoring and Safety

Where applicable, authors should disclose:

• Data monitoring committee involvement
• Interim analyses
• Adverse event reporting mechanisms

Serious safety concerns must be transparently reported.

8. Failure to Register

Manuscripts describing unregistered clinical trials may be rejected. In cases where non-registration is discovered after publication, Veridion Press may:

• Issue an expression of concern
• Publish a correction notice
• Retract the article in serious cases

9. Post-Publication Review

If discrepancies between trial registration and published findings are identified, Veridion Press may initiate an investigation under the Research Integrity Policy.

10. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding trial registration compliance, protocol discrepancies, or selective reporting may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Clinical trial registration is essential to transparency and public accountability in health research. Veridion Press requires full compliance with international registration standards to ensure the integrity of the scholarly record.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press requires full disclosure of any relationships, interests, or affiliations that could influence, or reasonably be perceived to influence, the objectivity, integrity, or interpretation of scholarly work.

Transparency in declaring conflicts of interest is essential to maintaining trust in academic publishing and preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.

This policy is aligned with:

• ICMJE Recommendations
• COPE Core Practices

2. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest exists when professional judgment concerning a primary interest (such as research validity) may be influenced by a secondary interest (such as financial gain, personal relationships, or professional advantage).

3. Types of Conflicts of Interest

3.1 Financial Conflicts

• Employment or consultancy arrangements
• Honoraria or speaker fees
• Research funding or grants
• Stock ownership or shareholding
• Patents or intellectual property rights
• Paid expert testimony

3.2 Non-Financial Conflicts

• Personal relationships or rivalries
• Academic competition
• Institutional affiliations
• Political or ideological commitments
• Advisory board membership

4. Author Disclosure Requirements

All authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest at the time of submission.

Authors must provide:

• A clear Conflict of Interest Statement within the manuscript.
• Disclosure of all funding sources.
• Grant numbers where applicable.
• Statement of the funder’s role in study design, data collection, analysis, and publication decisions.

If no conflicts exist, authors must explicitly state: “The authors declare no conflicts of interest.”

5. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers must disclose any conflicts that could affect their impartiality and must decline review assignments where conflicts exist.

Reviewers must not use confidential information obtained through peer review for personal advantage.

6. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where conflicts exist, including:

• Institutional affiliations with authors
• Recent collaboration
• Personal relationships
• Financial interests related to the research topic

Editorial decisions must be based solely on scholarly merit and ethical compliance.

7. Funding Transparency

All funding sources must be clearly disclosed. Authors must specify:

• The identity of funding organisations
• The grant or award number
• The role of the funder in the research process

Undisclosed sponsor involvement may constitute misconduct.

8. Post-Publication Disclosure

If a previously undisclosed conflict of interest is identified after publication, Veridion Press may:

• Publish a correction notice
• Issue an expression of concern
• Retract the article in serious cases

9. Investigation and Enforcement

Allegations of undisclosed conflicts will be investigated in accordance with the Research Integrity & Publication Ethics Policy.

Outcomes may include:

• Manuscript rejection
• Correction notice
• Retraction
• Institutional notification
• Restriction of future submissions

10. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding undisclosed conflicts of interest may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Full and transparent disclosure of conflicts of interest protects the credibility of research and ensures informed evaluation by readers. Veridion Press expects honesty, transparency, and professional integrity from all contributors.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to upholding academic freedom while ensuring that published content does not contain defamatory, libellous, or unlawfully damaging statements about individuals, organisations, institutions, or identifiable groups.

Authors must ensure that all allegations, criticisms, or evaluative statements are supported by verifiable evidence and presented in a fair, balanced, and professional manner.

2. Definition of Defamation

Defamation refers to the publication of false statements presented as facts that harm the reputation of an identifiable individual or organisation. Libel refers specifically to written defamatory statements.

Statements may be considered defamatory if they:

• Contain false allegations of misconduct or illegal activity.
• Present unverified accusations as established facts.
• Damage the professional or institutional reputation of identifiable parties.
• Are published without reasonable investigation or evidentiary support.

3. Author Responsibilities

Authors must ensure that:

• All claims are supported by reliable evidence.
• Critical analysis is presented in an objective, scholarly tone.
• Speculative statements are clearly identified as such.
• Allegations of misconduct are supported by documented findings or publicly verifiable sources.
• Language used does not unfairly harm reputations.

Personal attacks, unsupported accusations, and inflammatory language are not acceptable in scholarly publications.

4. Editorial Review and Risk Assessment

Manuscripts containing potentially sensitive allegations or critical commentary may undergo additional editorial review or legal risk assessment prior to publication.

The editorial office may:

• Request supporting documentation.
• Seek clarification from authors.
• Consult independent subject experts.
• Request revision of language for neutrality and balance.

5. Right of Response

Where appropriate, Veridion Press may offer an opportunity for a right of response to individuals or institutions directly criticised in a publication.

The decision to publish responses remains at the discretion of the editorial office.

6. Post-Publication Complaints

If a claim of defamation or libel is raised after publication, Veridion Press will:

• Review the complaint promptly and objectively.
• Request supporting evidence from the complainant.
• Consult authors for clarification.
• Seek independent or legal advice where necessary.

Where appropriate, the journal may:

• Issue a correction notice.
• Publish an expression of concern.
• Amend or remove defamatory content.
• Retract the article in serious cases.

7. Academic Freedom and Responsible Expression

Veridion Press supports robust academic debate and critical analysis. However, academic freedom does not extend to publishing unsubstantiated allegations or knowingly false statements.

Scholarly disagreement must be expressed respectfully and supported by evidence.

8. Jurisdiction and Legal Compliance

Authors must comply with applicable defamation laws in the jurisdiction where the research was conducted and where publication occurs. Veridion Press reserves the right to take appropriate legal and editorial action to mitigate legal risk.

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding potentially defamatory content may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org
📩 editor@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Authors are solely responsible for the accuracy and legality of statements made in their work. Veridion Press maintains a commitment to lawful, ethical, and responsible scholarly communication.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to fostering a professional, respectful, and inclusive publishing environment. All individuals engaged in the publication process—including authors, reviewers, editors, editorial board members, and publishing staff—must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Professional conduct is fundamental to maintaining trust, integrity, and collaboration within the scholarly community.

2. Scope of Application

This policy applies to all professional interactions within the Veridion Press publishing ecosystem, including:

• Submission and peer review communications
• Editorial correspondence
• Conference and event interactions
• Online communications related to published content
• Social media interactions connected to the publication process

3. Commitment to Respect and Professional Conduct

All participants must:

• Communicate respectfully and professionally.
• Provide constructive and objective feedback.
• Avoid hostile, abusive, or discriminatory language.
• Respect diversity of thought, discipline, and background.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

• Harassment or bullying.
• Discriminatory remarks based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.
• Personal attacks or intimidation.
• Threatening or coercive communication.
• Abusive language in peer review or editorial correspondence.

5. Inclusive and Non-Discriminatory Practice

Veridion Press is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of scholarly publishing. Editorial decisions must be based solely on scholarly merit and ethical compliance, without discrimination.

The publisher does not tolerate bias in editorial evaluation based on:

• Geographic location
• Institutional affiliation
• Gender identity
• Political belief
• Socioeconomic background

6. Professional Conduct in Peer Review

Peer review comments must focus on the scholarly content of the manuscript and avoid personal criticism. Reviewers are expected to provide objective, evidence-based feedback.

Editors may intervene where reviewer comments are inappropriate or unprofessional.

7. Online and Public Conduct

Public commentary, including on social media, should adhere to professional standards. Individuals associated with Veridion Press should avoid defamatory, abusive, or inflammatory remarks related to publications or editorial processes.

8. Complaint and Reporting Mechanism

Individuals who experience or observe conduct that violates this policy may report concerns confidentially.

Reports may be submitted to:

📩 grievances@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org
📩 integrity@veridionpress.org

All complaints will be handled confidentially and reviewed objectively.

9. Investigation and Corrective Action

Where violations are substantiated, Veridion Press may:

• Issue formal warnings.
• Remove individuals from editorial or reviewer roles.
• Restrict future submissions.
• Report serious misconduct to affiliated institutions.

10. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Veridion Press is committed to maintaining a culture of mutual respect and professional collaboration. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving best practices in diversity, inclusion, and workplace dignity.

Final Responsibility Statement

Upholding dignity at work is a shared responsibility. Veridion Press expects all participants in the scholarly communication process to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to maintaining full editorial independence in all publishing decisions. Editorial judgments are made solely on the basis of scholarly merit, methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and relevance to the publication’s scope.

Editorial decisions are not influenced by commercial interests, advertising, sponsorship, institutional pressure, or political considerations.

This policy is aligned with:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices
• International best practices in scholarly publishing governance

2. Separation of Editorial and Commercial Functions

The editorial process operates independently from any commercial, marketing, or revenue-generating functions of the publisher.

Specifically:

• Acceptance decisions are not influenced by article processing charges (APCs).
• Advertising revenue does not affect editorial content.
• Sponsors or funders have no authority over editorial decisions.
• Commercial partners cannot interfere with peer review outcomes.

3. Editor Authority and Autonomy

Editors have full authority over editorial decisions, including:

• Selection of peer reviewers
• Manuscript acceptance or rejection
• Requests for revision
• Publication timing decisions

Editors are expected to exercise independent, objective, and evidence-based judgment in all decisions.

4. Protection from External Influence

Editors must not be influenced by:

• Authors’ institutional affiliations
• Geographic origin
• Political or ideological considerations
• Commercial partnerships
• Reputational considerations unrelated to academic merit

Any attempt to exert undue influence on editorial decisions should be reported to the publisher’s Research Integrity Office.

5. Conflicts of Interest and Recusal

Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where conflicts of interest exist, including:

• Recent collaboration with the author
• Shared institutional affiliation
• Personal relationships
• Financial interests related to the manuscript

In such cases, editorial responsibility will be reassigned to an independent editor.

6. Special Issues and Guest Editors

Guest editors and special issue editors are subject to the same independence standards as permanent editorial board members.

The publisher retains oversight to ensure:

• Transparent peer review processes
• Absence of citation manipulation
• Absence of preferential treatment

7. Appeals and Oversight

Authors may appeal editorial decisions where procedural concerns arise. Appeals will be reviewed independently and in accordance with the Appeals & Complaints Procedure.

The publisher may conduct audits of editorial processes to ensure adherence to independence standards.

8. Transparency in Governance

Veridion Press maintains clear governance structures defining the roles of editors, editorial boards, and publisher oversight mechanisms to safeguard editorial independence.

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding undue influence, compromised editorial decisions, or governance breaches may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 grievances@veridionpress.org
📩 editor@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Editorial independence is fundamental to academic credibility and public trust. Veridion Press safeguards the autonomy of its editors to ensure that all publication decisions are fair, unbiased, and grounded in scholarly merit.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press maintains zero tolerance for data fabrication or falsification. The integrity of the scholarly record depends on the accurate and honest reporting of research findings.

Fabrication or falsification of data constitutes serious research misconduct and undermines scientific credibility, public trust, and ethical scholarship.

This policy aligns with:

• COPE Core Practices
• ICMJE Recommendations
• International standards on research integrity and responsible conduct of research

2. Definitions

2.1 Data Fabrication

Fabrication refers to the invention of data, results, or observations that were never obtained or recorded.

2.2 Data Falsification

Falsification involves manipulation of research materials, equipment, processes, images, or data such that the research is misrepresented.

This includes:

• Selective omission of data to achieve desired outcomes
• Altering numerical values or statistical results
• Manipulating graphs, charts, or tables
• Image alteration that misrepresents findings
• Misreporting sample sizes or participant numbers

3. Author Responsibilities

Authors must ensure that:

• All data reported are accurate and verifiable.
• Raw data are retained and available upon request.
• Statistical analyses are conducted appropriately.
• Images are not altered beyond acceptable clarity adjustments.
• Any data exclusions are transparently justified.

Authors may be required to provide raw datasets, laboratory records, or methodological documentation during review or investigation.

4. Detection and Screening

Veridion Press may employ screening mechanisms including:

• Statistical anomaly detection
• Image integrity checks
• Plagiarism and duplication screening
• Requests for raw data verification

5. Investigation Process

When concerns regarding fabricated or falsified data arise, the editorial office may:

• Request clarification from authors.
• Request original datasets or supporting documentation.
• Consult independent experts.
• Notify affiliated institutions.

Investigations will be conducted fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with the Research Integrity & Publication Ethics Policy.

6. Outcomes and Corrective Actions

If fabrication or falsification is confirmed, Veridion Press may:

• Reject the manuscript.
• Publish a correction notice (for minor issues).
• Issue an expression of concern.
• Retract the article.
• Notify institutional authorities or funding bodies.
• Impose submission restrictions in severe cases.

7. Post-Publication Responsibilities

If fabricated or falsified data are discovered after publication, the journal will act promptly to correct the scholarly record.

This may include:

• Updating article metadata.
• Watermarking PDF versions.
• Removing HTML versions where appropriate.
• Notifying indexing services.

8. Honest Error vs Misconduct

Veridion Press distinguishes between honest error and intentional misconduct. Honest errors may be corrected through formal correction notices. Intentional fabrication or falsification constitutes misconduct and will be addressed accordingly.

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding suspected data fabrication or falsification may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Accurate data reporting is fundamental to scholarly integrity. Veridion Press expects authors to uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of research reporting.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to fair, transparent, and accountable editorial processes. Authors, reviewers, and other stakeholders have the right to raise concerns or appeal decisions where procedural or ethical issues are believed to have occurred.

Appeals and grievances are handled independently, objectively, and confidentially, in accordance with international publishing best practices and COPE Core Principles.

2. Scope of Appeals

Appeals may be submitted in relation to:

• Editorial rejection decisions
• Peer review conduct concerns
• Authorship disputes related to editorial handling
• Alleged bias or procedural irregularities
• Post-publication editorial actions (corrections, expressions of concern, retractions)

Appeals must be based on substantive procedural concerns or evidence-based arguments, not solely on disagreement with editorial judgment.

3. Submission of an Appeal

Appeals must:

• Be submitted in writing.
• Clearly state the grounds for appeal.
• Provide supporting documentation or evidence.
• Be submitted within 30 days of the editorial decision, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Appeals should be submitted to:

📩 grievances@veridionpress.org

4. Initial Review Process

Upon receipt, the grievance will undergo an initial assessment to determine:

• Whether the appeal falls within the scope of this policy.
• Whether sufficient information has been provided.
• Whether the matter requires escalation to the Research Integrity Office.

An acknowledgement of receipt will normally be issued within five working days.

5. Independent Review

Appeals are reviewed by an independent senior editor or editorial oversight committee not directly involved in the original decision.

The review may include:

• Reassessment of peer review reports.
• Consultation with additional independent reviewers.
• Evaluation of procedural compliance.

6. Possible Outcomes

Following review, the journal may:

• Uphold the original decision.
• Invite resubmission or reconsideration.
• Initiate further investigation.
• Modify or reverse the original decision where appropriate.

The outcome will be communicated in writing with a reasoned explanation.

7. Grievances Regarding Conduct

Complaints regarding unprofessional conduct, discrimination, harassment, or ethical breaches may be submitted confidentially to:

📩 grievances@veridionpress.org
📩 integrity@veridionpress.org

Such matters will be handled in accordance with the Dignity at Work and Research Integrity policies.

8. Institutional Involvement

In cases involving serious ethical concerns or research misconduct, Veridion Press may refer matters to the relevant institutional authorities for investigation.

9. Finality of Decisions

Decisions following appeal review are final. Repeated appeals without substantive new evidence will not be considered.

10. Commitment to Fairness

Veridion Press is committed to handling all grievances impartially, confidentially, and in a timely manner, ensuring procedural fairness and maintaining the integrity of the editorial process.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press recognises that scholarly publishing standards, ethical expectations, and cultural norms evolve over time. Historical or legacy publications may reflect practices, terminology, or regulatory environments that differ from current standards.

The preservation of the scholarly record is fundamental. However, we are committed to addressing concerns regarding historical content in a transparent, responsible, and contextually appropriate manner.

2. Definition of Historical or Legacy Content

Historical or legacy content includes:

• Articles published under previous editorial policies.
• Content created before modern research ethics frameworks were widely adopted.
• Publications using terminology now considered outdated or inappropriate.
• Content transferred from other publishers or archival repositories.

3. Preservation of the Scholarly Record

Veridion Press does not retroactively alter or remove historical publications solely because standards have evolved.

The integrity of the academic archive requires that the scholarly record be preserved, even where historical context differs from contemporary norms.

4. Contextual Notices

Where appropriate, Veridion Press may add contextual statements to legacy content to clarify:

• Changes in ethical standards.
• Outdated terminology or classifications.
• Regulatory developments affecting the subject matter.
• Revisions in best practice guidelines.

Contextual notices do not alter the original text but provide explanatory framing.

5. Ethical Concerns in Legacy Content

If concerns arise regarding research ethics, authorship, data integrity, or consent in historical publications, Veridion Press will evaluate the matter in accordance with the Research Integrity & Publication Ethics Policy.

Where warranted, actions may include:

• Publication of a correction notice.
• Issuance of an expression of concern.
• Retraction in cases of confirmed misconduct.

6. Evolving Language and Cultural Standards

Language reflecting historical terminology that may now be considered insensitive or outdated will generally not be altered in archival content. However, explanatory notices may be added to clarify context.

Decisions are made carefully to balance historical accuracy with contemporary ethical expectations.

7. Transferred or Acquired Journals

Where Veridion Press assumes responsibility for journals or archives previously published elsewhere, legacy content remains subject to its original editorial standards unless ethical concerns require review.

Future publications within such journals will adhere to current Veridion Press policies.

8. Retrospective Compliance

Veridion Press does not retroactively impose contemporary requirements (such as AI disclosure policies or modern clinical trial registration standards) on content published before such requirements were established, unless serious ethical concerns arise.

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding historical or legacy publications may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

10. Commitment to Responsible Stewardship

Veridion Press is committed to responsible stewardship of the scholarly archive. We seek to preserve academic history while ensuring that any serious ethical concerns are addressed transparently and in alignment with internationally recognised publishing standards.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press requires that all images, figures, graphs, and other visual materials accurately represent the original data and findings. Manipulation that misrepresents, obscures, selectively enhances, or falsifies research outcomes is strictly prohibited.

Image integrity is fundamental to reproducibility, scientific credibility, and the reliability of the scholarly record. Authors must ensure that any adjustments made for clarity do not alter the scientific meaning of the image or mislead readers.

2. Standards and External Guidance

This policy is aligned with internationally recognised publishing ethics and research integrity standards, including:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Recommendations
• U.S. Office of Research Integrity (ORI) – Research Misconduct Guidance
• STM Integrity Hub – Publishing Integrity Guidance

3. Acceptable Adjustments

Limited adjustments may be acceptable for the purpose of improving clarity and legibility, provided they are applied consistently and do not alter the interpretation of the data. Acceptable adjustments include:

• Uniform brightness and contrast adjustment applied to the entire image
• Uniform colour balance correction applied consistently
• Non-deceptive cropping that does not remove relevant features or contextual information
• Resolution optimisation for publication, without changing content

Any adjustment must not selectively enhance, suppress, move, remove, or introduce features. Where adjustments may affect interpretation, authors must disclose what was done in the figure legend or methods section.

4. Prohibited Manipulations

The following actions are considered unacceptable and may constitute research misconduct:

• Selective enhancement or suppression of specific elements (e.g., bands, signals, regions of interest)
• Adding, removing, duplicating, or cloning image features
• Splicing lanes or panels without clear visual demarcation and disclosure
• Misrepresenting scale bars, magnification, or image orientation
• Reusing an image to represent different experiments, conditions, or datasets
• Manipulating charts/graphs (e.g., altering axes, truncating scales, or changing data points to mislead)
• Submitting “representative images” that do not reflect the underlying dataset
• Undisclosed use of generative AI to create, enhance, or modify research images

5. Composite Images and Assembly Standards

Composite figures (e.g., microscopy panels, gel lanes, multi-panel figures) are permitted when they improve readability; however, assembly must be transparent and non-misleading.

If images are assembled from multiple sources:

• Separations must be clearly indicated using dividing lines or spacing
• The figure legend must explain how the composite was constructed
• Rearrangement must not imply that different samples were processed together if they were not

6. AI-Generated and AI-Enhanced Images

The use of AI tools to generate, enhance, or modify images must be disclosed transparently. AI may be used for presentation purposes (for example, conceptual diagrams or graphical abstracts) provided it does not fabricate or simulate experimental results.

AI-generated or AI-altered images must not be used to:

• Create synthetic microscopy, radiology, laboratory, or clinical images presented as authentic data
• Invent or “fill in” missing experimental results
• Modify an image in ways that change the interpretation of results

Undisclosed AI-based manipulation may result in rejection, correction, or retraction, depending on severity.

7. Raw Image Data, Retention, and Availability

Authors must retain original, unprocessed image files and relevant supporting documentation. During peer review or integrity checks, Veridion Press may request:

• Original raw image files (e.g., uncropped images, original scans)
• Full gel/blot images including molecular weight markers where applicable
• Metadata or acquisition settings where relevant
• Documentation of image processing steps

Failure to provide requested raw files or a satisfactory explanation may lead to editorial action.

8. Screening and Detection

Veridion Press may apply both editorial review and technical screening to identify potential integrity issues, including:

• Image duplication within or across manuscripts
• Inconsistent pixel patterns, cloning artefacts, or irregular background features
• Misaligned splices or undisclosed compositing
• Metadata inconsistencies where available

9. Investigation Process

Where potential image manipulation is suspected, Veridion Press may:

• Request original image files and clarification from authors
• Seek independent expert assessment
• Escalate the matter to the Research Integrity Office
• Contact the authors’ institutions where appropriate

Investigations are handled confidentially, fairly, and in accordance with our Research Integrity & Publication Ethics procedures.

10. Outcomes and Corrective Actions

Depending on the severity and intent, outcomes may include:

• Request for revision and replacement of images
• Manuscript rejection
• Publication of a correction notice
• Expression of concern
• Retraction of the publication
• Institutional notification
• Restriction of future submissions in severe or repeated cases

11. Honest Error vs Misconduct

Veridion Press distinguishes between honest presentation errors and intentional manipulation. Minor errors may be corrected through revision or formal correction notices. Intentional manipulation that alters interpretation is treated as serious misconduct.

12. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding potential image or figure manipulation may be reported confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 ethics@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Authors are responsible for ensuring the authenticity, accuracy, and transparency of all visual materials. Veridion Press is committed to protecting the integrity of published figures and to taking appropriate action when concerns arise.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press is committed to protecting the rights, dignity, safety, and privacy of human participants involved in research. Where research involves human participants, identifiable personal data, patient information, interviews, surveys, or case details, authors must confirm that informed consent was obtained in a manner consistent with internationally recognised ethical standards.

Informed consent is central to ethical research practice and is required for publication where participation, data collection, or disclosure could affect an individual’s rights, wellbeing, reputation, or privacy.

2. Standards and External Guidance

This policy is aligned with internationally recognised standards, including:

• World Medical Association – Declaration of Helsinki
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Recommendations
• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices
• Applicable national laws and institutional ethics requirements in the jurisdiction where the research was conducted

3. When Informed Consent Is Required

Authors must obtain informed consent where research includes, but is not limited to:

• Clinical or medical studies involving human participants
• Research involving collection of personal data (including demographic, behavioural, or biometric data)
• Interviews, surveys, focus groups, ethnographic or qualitative research involving human subjects
• Case reports or case series
• Use of images, video, audio recordings, or personal narratives
• Publication of identifiable patient or participant information

4. Requirements for Valid Informed Consent

Informed consent must be obtained voluntarily, without coercion, and with adequate information for participants to make an informed decision. Authors must ensure participants were informed about:

• The purpose and nature of the research
• What participation involves and any reasonably foreseeable risks
• How data will be collected, stored, used, and shared
• Confidentiality protections and limits of confidentiality
• The right to refuse participation or withdraw (where applicable)
• Any compensation, incentives, or reimbursements

5. Consent for Publication and Identifiable Information

Where individuals may be identifiable (directly or indirectly), authors must obtain explicit consent for publication. This includes identifiable:

• Photographs, videos, or audio recordings
• Clinical images (including radiology or pathology images) if identification is possible
• Case descriptions containing unique personal details
• Personal narratives, testimonies, or quotes that could identify the participant

Simply removing names may not be sufficient if identification remains possible through contextual details. Where doubt exists, explicit consent for publication is required.

6. Vulnerable Populations

Research involving vulnerable participants requires additional ethical safeguards. This may include (but is not limited to) minors, individuals with reduced decision-making capacity, detained populations, or communities at heightened risk of harm.

Authors must ensure:

• Consent was obtained from legally authorised representatives where required
• Assent was obtained from minors where appropriate
• Additional protections and ethical approvals were obtained

7. Ethics Approval and Consent Statements in Manuscripts

Manuscripts involving human participants must include:

• Name of the approving ethics committee / IRB (where applicable)
• Ethics approval reference number (where applicable)
• A clear statement confirming informed consent was obtained

If ethics approval was not required (for example, certain educational or service evaluations), authors must provide a justification consistent with institutional policy.

8. Data Privacy, Confidentiality, and Anonymisation

Authors must protect participant confidentiality and comply with applicable data protection laws. Data should be anonymised or de-identified wherever possible, and identifiable details should only be included when essential, ethically justified, and consented for publication.

Authors must not disclose personal data beyond what participants consented to share. Where datasets may risk re-identification, authors must implement appropriate safeguards.

9. Documentation and Editorial Requests

Authors must retain consent documentation and ethics approvals and be prepared to provide them upon request. Veridion Press may request:

• Confirmation of consent procedures
• Redacted consent forms (where appropriate)
• Ethics approval documentation

Veridion Press does not generally require submission of consent forms at the time of submission, but reserves the right to request evidence during review, production, or post-publication investigation.

10. Non-Compliance and Corrective Actions

If informed consent requirements are not met, Veridion Press may:

• Reject the manuscript
• Require removal or modification of identifiable information
• Request further documentation
• Issue a correction notice
• Retract the publication in serious cases
• Notify institutional authorities where appropriate

11. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding informed consent, participant privacy, or ethics compliance may be reported confidentially to:

📩 ethics@veridionpress.org
📩 integrity@veridionpress.org

Final Responsibility Statement

Authors are responsible for ensuring that informed consent and ethical approvals are obtained and accurately reported. Veridion Press is committed to protecting participants and maintaining the integrity of human-subject research in the scholarly record.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press maintains strict neutrality with respect to jurisdictional claims, territorial disputes, institutional affiliations, and geopolitical boundaries presented in published content.

The inclusion of maps, geographic designations, institutional names, or territorial descriptions in any publication does not imply endorsement, recognition, or position by Veridion Press regarding the legal status of any country, territory, city, region, or authority.

2. Alignment with International Publishing Standards

This policy reflects international publishing norms and aligns with practices adopted by major scholarly publishers. It supports principles of editorial independence, academic neutrality, and responsible global dissemination of research.

3. Maps and Geographic Representations

Where maps or geographic representations are included:

• Authors are responsible for ensuring accuracy and proper sourcing.
• Boundaries shown are for scholarly and illustrative purposes only.
• Map depictions do not represent the official position of Veridion Press.

Where necessary, Veridion Press may include a standard neutrality disclaimer accompanying published maps.

4. Institutional Affiliations

Authors are required to list their institutional affiliations as officially designated by their institutions at the time of submission.

Veridion Press does not adjudicate disputes regarding institutional naming conventions, national status, or governmental recognition. Institutional names are published as provided by authors unless editorial clarification is required.

5. Territorial Disputes and Geopolitical Terminology

In cases where terminology may relate to disputed territories or politically sensitive regions:

• Editors may request neutral, descriptive wording.
• Standardised international terminology may be applied where appropriate.
• Clarifying statements may be added to avoid misinterpretation.

6. Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are based solely on scholarly merit and ethical compliance. Political, governmental, or diplomatic considerations do not influence publication decisions.

7. Neutrality Disclaimer

Veridion Press may include a statement such as:

“Veridion Press remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.”

8. Corrections and Updates

If concerns are raised regarding jurisdictional representation, Veridion Press will assess the matter objectively and may:

• Add a neutrality clarification notice
• Correct factual inaccuracies
• Update metadata where required

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns relating to jurisdictional representation or neutrality may be reported confidentially to:

📩 editor@veridionpress.org
📩 integrity@veridionpress.org

Final Statement

Veridion Press is committed to maintaining academic neutrality and ensuring that scholarly publishing remains independent from political or territorial disputes.

1. Policy Statement

Veridion Press recognises that scholarly discourse continues beyond publication. Post-publication critique is an essential component of academic integrity, transparency, and the self-correcting nature of research.

We welcome constructive, evidence-based critiques of published work and are committed to addressing concerns in a fair, transparent, and timely manner.

2. Alignment with International Standards

This policy aligns with:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices
• COPE Guidance on Post-Publication Discussions and Corrections
• International best practices in editorial transparency and research integrity

3. Types of Post-Publication Engagement

Post-publication critiques may take several forms:

• Letters to the Editor
• Formal Commentaries
• Scholarly Replies from Authors
• Corrections (Erratum or Corrigendum)
• Expressions of Concern
• Retractions
• Online academic discussion referencing the published article

4. Submission of Formal Critiques

Scholars wishing to submit a formal critique must:

• Provide clear reference to the article (including DOI)
• Present evidence-based arguments
• Avoid defamatory, personal, or inflammatory language
• Disclose any conflicts of interest

Critiques must focus on scholarly content, methodology, interpretation, data integrity, or ethical concerns.

5. Editorial Assessment Process

Upon receiving a critique, the editorial office may:

• Conduct an initial assessment of relevance and tone
• Consult editorial board members or external experts
• Invite the original authors to respond
• Initiate a research integrity review where necessary

Veridion Press aims to ensure that post-publication dialogue is balanced, fair, and grounded in scholarly standards.

6. Author Right of Reply

Authors of the original article will generally be given an opportunity to respond to substantive critiques. Where appropriate, the critique and reply may be published together to ensure transparency and balanced discussion.

7. Corrections and Editorial Actions

If a critique reveals factual errors or integrity concerns, Veridion Press may issue:

• Correction notices
• Corrigenda
• Expressions of Concern
• Retractions

All corrective actions follow established Research Integrity procedures and are documented transparently.

8. Online and Third-Party Discussions

Veridion Press acknowledges that scholarly discussions may occur on independent platforms, institutional websites, or post-publication review forums.

Where credible concerns are raised externally and supported by evidence, the editorial office may initiate a formal review in accordance with our Research Integrity & Publication Ethics Policy.

9. Protection Against Defamation and Abuse

Veridion Press does not tolerate defamatory statements, harassment, or personal attacks in post-publication commentary. Submissions containing such material will not be considered.

10. Transparency and Record Maintenance

All post-publication notices are linked to the original article and clearly labelled. The integrity of the scholarly record is preserved through transparent documentation of corrections and critiques.

11. Reporting Concerns

Concerns regarding published content may be submitted confidentially to:

📩 integrity@veridionpress.org
📩 editor@veridionpress.org

Final Statement

Veridion Press supports constructive scholarly dialogue and is committed to maintaining a transparent and accountable post-publication process that strengthens the reliability of the academic record.

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