Corrections, Retractions and Withdrawal

Withdrawal before publication

The corresponding author may request withdrawal by explaining the reason and confirming that all authors agree. The journal may withdraw a submission when authorship, consent or permissions cannot be verified, the work is submitted elsewhere or a serious ethical or legal issue prevents further consideration.

Correction and retraction

A correction is used when an error affects part of an article but does not invalidate its main contribution. Retraction may be considered when findings are unreliable, sources were fabricated, substantial material was used without permission, contributors were seriously misrepresented or publication creates a serious ethical or legal breach.

Affected authors will normally have an opportunity to respond. Notices will identify the article and explain the reason while preserving the scholarly record.