Publication Ethics & Virtue
Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery
Last updated: 27 Aug 2025
Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery fully adheres to the Code of Conduct of Publication Ethics (COPE) and its Best Practice Guidelines. and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in publishing. This policy outlines the responsibilities and ethical obligations of all parties involved in the publication process—authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher—to ensure transparent, fair, and respectful practices that foster scientific excellence and trust.
Responsibilities of Reviewers
Contribution to Editorial Decisions
- Expert evaluation: Provide constructive, evidence-based feedback to assist decisions and improve manuscripts.
- Timeliness: Inform the editor if you cannot meet deadlines.
Standards of Objectivity
- Deliver objective, respectful critique with supported arguments.
- Identify uncited prior work and suggest appropriate citations.
Promptness
- Complete reviews within the specified period to ensure timely decisions.
Specific Observations
- Provide clear strengths, weaknesses, and actionable suggestions.
Evaluation of Ethics
- Alert the editor to dual submission, plagiarism, data manipulation, or authorship concerns.
Integrity of the Record
- Apply consistent standards irrespective of author identity or background.
Responsibilities of Editors
Decision-Making & Fairness
- Decisions based on importance, originality, clarity, and scope fit.
- Ensure fair review focused on intellectual content.
Investigations & Cooperation
- Respond to ethical complaints; communicate with authors and, when needed, institutions.
Peer Review Process
- Maintain a fair, unbiased, timely process using qualified, conflict-free reviewers.
Vigilance Over the Published Record
- Issue corrections/retractions when needed; pursue suspected misconduct.
- Provide clear guidance on authorship, originality, and conflicts of interest.
Engagement & Inclusiveness
- Encourage constructive critique; continuously improve journal quality.
- Engage diverse authors/reviewers; work toward accessibility and OA where applicable.
Policies
Confidentiality
- All manuscripts under review are confidential. Editors, reviewers, and staff must not disclose details. Reviewer identities remain anonymous unless mutually agreed by editor and reviewer.
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Disclosure
- Authors: Disclose financial/personal/professional relationships (employment, consultancies, stock, honoraria, patents, grants, etc.). Add a COI statement to the manuscript.
- Reviewers: Disclose potential bias; recuse when appropriate. Do not use privileged information for personal gain.
- Editors: Decision-making editors must be conflict-free; delegate if any conflict exists.
Management
- Transparency: The journal evaluates severity and may publish a disclosure note.
- Recusal: Significant conflicts require stepping aside from review/decision roles.
Ethics Statement
We uphold honesty, integrity, transparency, objectivity, fairness, and respect for intellectual property. We follow COPE and ICMJE.
- Declare COIs promptly.
- Promote diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility; prohibit harassment and discrimination.
- Maintain safe, respectful processes and keep improving policies.
Digital Preservation & Accessibility
Archival Partnerships
- Partner with trusted preservation organizations/repositories to ensure long-term access.
Redundant Storage
- Use multiple secure locations and backups to mitigate data loss.
Permanent Access
- Guarantee continuous access via institutional/public libraries and open access options.
Accessibility Compliance
- Adhere to WCAG; continuously optimize for users of all abilities.
Review & Technological Updates
- Routinely evaluate and upgrade preservation and accessibility systems.
Governance & Handling of Unethical Behavior
Policy Oversight
- Governance team regularly reviews policies against evolving standards.
Ethics & Compliance
- Comply with copyright, privacy/data protection (e.g., GDPR), and accessibility laws.
Identification & Investigation
- Preliminary review on reports of plagiarism, fabrication/falsification, authorship, or COI.
- Consult field experts where needed for unbiased assessment.
Actions & Consequences
- Issue corrections, retractions, or statements of concern with transparent reasons.
- Notify corresponding authors and allow responses; collaborate on remediation.
- Inform indexers and relevant databases where appropriate.
Reporting & Prevention
- Inform institutions, research bodies, or funders in serious cases.
- Provide guidance, resources, and training on responsible conduct.