Ethical Statements

Ethical standards and procedures

Roles and Responsibilities in the Editorial Process

As the editorial board of „Polish Journal of Public Health”, we pledge to maintain the highest ethical standards at all stages of the publication process. We follow the guidelines of organizations such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

Role and Responsibility of Authors

Basic Obligations

Authors are required to present reliable and truthful research results without data manipulation. Originality of the work is a crucial requirement, which means avoiding plagiarism and self-plagiarism. Authors must also properly cite the sources and works used and submit only texts not previously published in other journals. At the request of the editorial office, authors are obliged to provide all additional materials, data, and research protocols. Before submitting a manuscript, the consent of all co-authors for publication and its final version must be obtained. Authors should follow the journal's guidelines regarding the format and preparation of the manuscript and actively participate in the review process, providing required corrections within the specified time.

Ethical Aspects

In ethical matters, authors are required to provide reliable information about the contribution of individual authors and disclose so-called honorary authorship. Any conflicts of interest (financial, professional, personal) must be disclosed when submitting the manuscript. Authors should obtain and document appropriate approvals (ethics committees, research participants, etc.) and respect intellectual property rights. In case of errors detected after publication, authors are responsible for reporting possible corrections or withdrawing the article. It is also necessary to ensure that any research on humans and animals is conducted in accordance with international ethical standards.

Author Declarations

Authors are required to submit a statement that includes a declaration of the originality of the article's content and information on respecting the copyright of others. The statement must also include disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or lack thereof, as well as confirmation of having appropriate permissions to publish the article. Failure to submit a properly completed statement may result in suspending the publication process.

 

Role and Responsibility of Reviewers

Basic Obligations

Reviewers are responsible for a reliable and objective assessment of the scientific quality of the manuscript. Their task is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the work and identify methodological and interpretative errors. Reviewers should suggest necessary corrections and additions and deliver their reviews in a timely manner. An important element of the review process is the assessment of the clarity of presentation and the adequacy of conclusions to the obtained results. Reviewers may also indicate appropriate published works not included in the bibliography that authors should consider.

Ethical Aspects

Reviewers maintain the confidentiality of the review process and do not disclose the content of the reviewed article to third parties. They disclose potential conflicts of interest and decline to review in such cases. Reviewers refrain from using information from reviewed works before their publication and maintain objectivity and a constructive tone in their reviews. In case of suspected plagiarism, data fabrication, or other abuses, reviewers promptly inform the editorial office. They decline to review papers beyond their area of expertise and respect the diversity of perspectives and scientific schools.

Role and Responsibility of Editors

Basic Obligations

Editors conduct an initial assessment of the article for compliance with the journal's profile and formal requirements. Their task is to select appropriate reviewers with relevant qualifications and experience. Editors are responsible for ensuring a fair, efficient, and confidential review process and making publication decisions based on the substantive value of the article. Their duties also include supervising the production and publication process and monitoring the quality and scientific standards of the journal.

Ethical Aspects

Editors act in a balanced, objective, and fair manner, without discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, ethnic or geographical origin of the authors. Maintaining the confidentiality of information about submitted works is one of the key ethical aspects. Editors disclose their own conflicts of interest and transfer decision-making to another editor if necessary. They consider authors' appeals against reviewers' decisions in an impartial manner and respond to suspicions of scientific dishonesty and ethical violations. In justified cases, editors publish corrections, explanations, and withdrawals of articles. They ensure that publication decisions are not motivated by commercial factors and actively implement policies to detect plagiarism and other forms of scientific dishonesty.

Common Ethical Commitments

All parties involved in the publication process (authors, reviewers, and editors) are obliged to care for the integrity of the research and publication process. The common goal is to promote scientific honesty and transparency and to comply with international standards of publication ethics. It is essential to maintain the highest standards of research quality and care for the well-being of research participants. All participants in the publication process should respect the principles of data protection and privacy and respond appropriately to violations of ethics and scientific dishonesty.