Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics Policy for Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research is committed to the highest standards of ethical publishing, ensuring the integrity of the academic record and fostering the advancement of knowledge in artificial intelligence research. This Publication Ethics Policy outlines the responsibilities and ethical obligations of authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers in maintaining academic integrity and promoting transparency in the publication process.

1. Ethical Guidelines for Authors

Authors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of their research. To ensure transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct in publishing, authors must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Originality and Plagiarism: Authors must submit original work that has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration for publication by another journal. All sources of data, ideas, and material must be properly cited. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.

  • Authorship: All individuals who have made substantial contributions to the work must be listed as co-authors. Authors must ensure that all authors meet the authorship criteria, including contributions to the study’s conception, design, analysis, and manuscript writing. The corresponding author must ensure that all authors have agreed to the final version of the manuscript and the order of authorship.

  • Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that might influence the research or the publication of their work. This includes funding sources, sponsorship, and any other relationships that could be perceived as a conflict.

  • Data Integrity: Authors must ensure that data presented in the manuscript is accurate and representative of the results obtained. Manipulation or falsification of data is strictly prohibited.

  • Ethical Approval: Authors conducting research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data must provide appropriate ethical approval from an institutional review board or ethics committee, where applicable. Authors must provide proof of this approval during submission.

  • Disclosure of Errors: If authors discover significant errors or inaccuracies in their published work, they must promptly notify the journal and work with the editorial team to correct the record. Corrections or retractions will be issued as necessary.

2. Ethical Guidelines for Reviewers

Peer reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the journal by providing fair, unbiased, and constructive feedback. Reviewers are expected to adhere to the following ethical principles:

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat the manuscript as a confidential document and refrain from disclosing or discussing it with anyone else without the consent of the editor. Reviewers must not use information from the manuscript for their own advantage.

  • Impartiality: Reviews should be based solely on the scientific merit of the manuscript, without any bias toward the authors’ background, nationality, or affiliations. Reviewers should not review manuscripts for which they have a conflict of interest and must recuse themselves from the process if any potential conflict arises.

  • Constructive Feedback: Reviewers should provide clear, constructive, and unbiased feedback to authors to help improve the quality of the manuscript. Reviewers should highlight strengths and weaknesses of the research, suggest improvements, and avoid vague or personal comments.

  • Timeliness: Reviewers should complete their evaluations in a timely manner, as delays in the review process can negatively impact the publication schedule. If a reviewer cannot meet the deadline, they should notify the editorial office promptly.

  • Identification of Ethical Concerns: Reviewers must report any ethical concerns, including suspected plagiarism, data fabrication, or any issues related to research integrity. If there are concerns about the ethics of the research, reviewers should notify the editorial team.

3. Ethical Guidelines for Editors

Editors are responsible for overseeing the peer review process and ensuring that articles meet the journal’s standards for publication. Editors are expected to follow these ethical principles:

  • Fairness and Impartiality: Editors must make decisions based solely on the scientific merit and relevance of the manuscript to the journal’s scope. All manuscripts should be evaluated fairly and impartially, regardless of the author’s background, nationality, or institutional affiliation.

  • Confidentiality: Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential. Manuscripts should not be shared with anyone other than the relevant reviewers and editorial staff, and their content should not be used for personal or professional gain.

  • Conflict of Interest: Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest related to a manuscript, recuse themselves from decisions in case of a conflict, and ensure that decisions are made independently and without bias.

  • Decision-Making: Editors are responsible for deciding whether a manuscript should be accepted, revised, or rejected based on the reviewers' feedback and their own evaluation. Decisions should be based on the quality, originality, significance, and scientific merit of the research.

  • Handling of Complaints: Editors must handle any complaints or appeals regarding the editorial process fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the journal’s policies. If necessary, the editor may consult with the publisher or other relevant parties to resolve disputes.

  • Corrections and Retractions: If errors or ethical issues arise after publication, editors must act promptly to address them, including issuing corrections or retractions. Retractions should be clearly labeled and include a statement explaining the reason for retraction, such as research misconduct or significant errors.

4. Ethical Guidelines for Publishers

The publisher plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the journal’s processes. The publisher is responsible for the following:

  • Ethical Publishing Practices: The publisher must ensure that the journal adheres to ethical publishing practices, such as fairness, transparency, and academic integrity. The publisher is also responsible for ensuring that authors, reviewers, and editors follow these ethical guidelines.

  • Ensuring Accessibility: The publisher supports the open-access model, ensuring that all published content is freely accessible to researchers and the broader community. The publisher is also responsible for preserving the long-term availability of published articles.

  • Data Protection and Privacy: The publisher must ensure that personal data, including information about authors, reviewers, and editors, is handled in compliance with data protection laws and regulations.

  • Correcting the Academic Record: The publisher must support editors and authors in correcting or retracting articles when necessary, ensuring the academic record is accurate and reliable.

5. Addressing Ethical Violations

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research takes any form of ethical violation seriously. If an ethical breach, such as plagiarism, data falsification, or unethical research practices, is suspected or identified, the following actions may be taken:

  • Investigation: The editorial team will investigate the claim thoroughly, which may involve contacting the author’s institution or relevant authorities.
  • Action: If the violation is confirmed, the article will be retracted or corrected, and a retraction notice or correction statement will be issued. In cases of serious violations, the journal may report the issue to the author’s institution or funding body.

6. Updates to the Policy

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence Research reserves the right to amend or update this Publication Ethics Policy as necessary. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to authors, editors, and reviewers in a timely manner.