Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement

Milky Way Scientific Journal (MWSJ) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures against publication malpractice. The journal adheres to the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors are responsible for making publication decisions based solely on the scientific merit, originality, clarity, and relevance of submitted manuscripts. Editorial decisions are independent of commercial interests.

Editors ensure:

  • Fair and unbiased evaluation

  • Confidential handling of manuscripts

  • No discrimination based on nationality, gender, ethnicity, or institutional affiliation

  • Management of conflicts of interest

2. Peer Review Process

MWSJ operates a double-blind peer review system, in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous.

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Evaluate manuscripts objectively

  • Maintain confidentiality

  • Declare conflicts of interest

  • Provide constructive feedback

Editorial decisions are based on reviewers’ recommendations and academic merit.

3. Authorship and Contribution

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant contributions to:

  • Research conception or design

  • Data collection or analysis

  • Drafting or revising the manuscript

All authors must approve the final version before submission. Guest, honorary, or ghost authorship is strictly prohibited.

4. Plagiarism and Similarity

All submissions are screened using plagiarism detection software.

Submissions with significant similarity (typically above 20%, excluding references and standard methodological phrases) may be rejected or returned for revision.

5. Data Integrity and Availability

Authors must ensure data accuracy and integrity. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data is considered serious misconduct.

Authors may be required to provide raw data for editorial review.

6. Conflict of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the research.

All conflicts of interest must be clearly declared in the manuscript.

7. Retraction Policy

Articles may be retracted in cases of:

  • Proven research misconduct

  • Serious methodological error

  • Plagiarism

  • Duplicate publication

Retraction notices will remain permanently available and linked to the original article.

8. Corrections and Errata

Minor errors that do not affect the results may be corrected via erratum.

Major corrections will be clearly identified and linked to the original article.

9. Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a formal written request to the editorial office.

Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and, if necessary, an independent editorial advisor.

10. Ethical Oversight

Research involving human participants or animals must include approval from an appropriate ethics committee and informed consent where applicable.

11. AI Usage Policy

Artificial intelligence tools may be used to improve language or clarity; however:

  • AI tools cannot be listed as authors.

  • Authors must disclose AI usage in the manuscript.

  • Authors remain fully responsible for the content.

12. Research Misconduct Handling

Allegations of misconduct will be investigated following COPE guidelines. If misconduct is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken, including rejection, correction, or retraction.

For inquiries regarding publication ethics, contact:
editor@mwsjournal.com