Corrections, Retractions and Withdrawal

GAR corrects the publication record when reliable evidence shows that published information is materially inaccurate, misleading, unethical or invalid.

Corrections

A correction is appropriate when an error affects interpretation or accurate attribution but does not invalidate the central findings. The correction will identify the article, explain the change and remain linked to the version of record.

Expressions of concern

An expression of concern may be published when a serious question is under investigation and reliable conclusions are not yet available. It will be replaced or updated when the matter is resolved.

Retractions

Retraction may be required for unreliable findings, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, unethical research, duplicate publication, invalid authorship or another serious breach. A retraction notice will state the reason and who is retracting the article. The original article will ordinarily remain accessible and be clearly marked as retracted.

Withdrawal before publication

Authors may request withdrawal before acceptance by explaining the reason and confirming agreement from all authors. GAR may end consideration for duplicate submission, unresolved authorship, serious ethical concerns or failure to respond. An accepted article should not be withdrawn merely to submit it elsewhere.

Process

The affected parties will normally be invited to respond. GAR may contact institutions, regulators or other journals when necessary to establish facts or protect people, animals or the scholarly record.