Research Misconduct Policy

Journal: Joining and Corrosion Protection (JCP)

Policy Version: 1.0

Effective Date: June 2026

1. Purpose

Joining and Corrosion Protection (JCP) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and publication ethics.

The journal does not tolerate research misconduct and will investigate credible concerns in accordance with established scholarly publishing practices and COPE guidance.

2. Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• fabrication of data;
• falsification of data;
• plagiarism;
• image manipulation;
• duplicate publication;
• redundant publication;
• authorship manipulation;
• citation manipulation;
• peer review manipulation;
• paper mill activity;
• undisclosed conflicts of interest.

Honest errors and differences in scientific interpretation do not constitute misconduct.

3. Fabrication and Falsification

Authors must accurately report research findings.

The journal may investigate concerns involving:

• invented data;
• altered datasets;
• manipulated images;
• misleading presentation of results;
• omission of material findings.

Authors may be asked to provide raw data or original files for verification.

4. Plagiarism

All manuscripts must represent original work.

Plagiarism includes:

• copying text without attribution;
• improper paraphrasing;
• use of figures or data without permission;
• translation plagiarism;
• excessive reuse of previously published material.

The journal may use plagiarism detection tools during editorial assessment.

5. Peer Review Manipulation

The journal prohibits attempts to compromise the peer review process.

Examples include:

• false reviewer identities;
• fabricated reviewer accounts;
• fraudulent reviewer recommendations;
• manipulation of reviewer reports.

Confirmed cases may result in immediate rejection or retraction.

6. Investigations

Concerns may be raised by:

• editors;
• reviewers;
• readers;
• institutions;
• publishers;
• third parties.

The journal may request:

• raw data;
• original images;
• laboratory records;
• ethical approvals;
• funding information;
• author explanations.

Investigations will be conducted confidentially and fairly.

7. Editorial Actions

Depending on the severity of the issue, the journal may:

• request clarification;
• request corrections;
• reject manuscripts;
• publish Expressions of Concern;
• retract articles;
• notify relevant institutions.

Actions will be proportional to the nature and seriousness of the misconduct.

8. Author Cooperation

Authors are expected to cooperate fully with investigations.

Failure to respond to reasonable requests for information may influence editorial decisions.

9. Appeals

Authors may appeal decisions relating to research misconduct investigations.

Appeals must be submitted in writing and supported by evidence.

The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal and communicate the final decision.

10. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy should be read together with:

• Publication Ethics Policy
• Peer Review Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Corrections and Retractions Policy
• AI Policy

11. Contact

Questions regarding research integrity or misconduct may be directed to:

Editorial Office

Joining and Corrosion Protection (JCP)

Email: jcp@sunlitpub.com