Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern Polic
SAER Journal · Editorial Policies
SAER Journal is committed to protecting the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of the published scholarly record.
When an error, omission, ethical concern, or another issue that may affect the reliability of a published work is identified, the journal applies an appropriate post-publication action according to the nature and seriousness of the matter.
Policy No. SAER-POL-CR-07 · Version 1.0 · Effective 2026 · Last Updated 14 September 2026 · Responsible Body SAER Journal Editorial Board
1. General Principle
Post-publication actions are undertaken to correct the scholarly record and to ensure that readers are informed accurately. Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern are not intended as punitive measures; their primary purpose is to protect the reliability of the published record.
2. Corrections
A correction may be published when a published article contains an important error or omission that does not invalidate the study's main findings or overall scientific validity but should nevertheless be corrected for readers.
Situations that may warrant a correction include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Significant errors in an author's name, affiliation, or contact information,
- Material errors in tables, figures, or text that may affect scientific interpretation,
- Incorrect or incomplete reference information,
- Omissions in funding, conflict-of-interest, or contributorship statements,
- Data or analysis errors that do not invalidate the study's principal findings.
The correction notice is clearly linked to the original article and, where possible, explains which part was corrected and why.
3. Author and Publisher Errors
Whether an error originated with the authors or arose during the publication process may be considered when determining the appropriate corrective action. In either case, the primary objective is to ensure that readers have access to accurate scientific information.
4. Retraction
An article may be retracted where serious concerns indicate that its findings or conclusions can no longer be considered reliable.
Situations that may lead to consideration of retraction include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fabrication or falsification of data or findings,
- A major error that invalidates the study's principal findings,
- Serious plagiarism or unauthorized use of material,
- Duplicate or otherwise inappropriate publication,
- Evidence that the research involved serious ethical problems,
- Serious breaches concerning authorship or research integrity,
- Other circumstances that fundamentally undermine the reliability of the article.
5. Retraction Notice
When a retraction is issued, a clear link is established between the original article and the retraction notice. The notice explains, as far as possible, the reason for the retraction and who initiated the action.
To preserve the integrity of the scholarly record, the bibliographic record of a retracted article may be retained and marked as retracted rather than removed completely. To the extent technically and legally possible, the retracted status is stated clearly on the article's online version.
6. Expression of Concern
An expression of concern may be published where there is a serious question regarding the reliability or ethical compliance of an article but the available information is not yet sufficient to justify a correction or retraction.
An expression of concern may be considered particularly in the following circumstances:
- A serious allegation concerning ethics or research integrity is under investigation,
- The journal is awaiting findings from a relevant institution or competent authority,
- The available evidence is insufficient to support a definitive post-publication decision,
- The investigation is substantially delayed but readers should nevertheless be informed.
7. Authors' Response
Where appropriate, authors may be asked to provide an explanation or relevant documentation before a decision is made concerning a correction, retraction, or expression of concern. However, disagreement by the authors does not by itself prevent the journal from taking editorial action necessary to protect the scholarly record.
8. Institutional Investigations
Where an allegation of research misconduct requires review by the researcher's institution, an ethics committee, or another competent authority, SAER Journal may request information or an investigation from the relevant body.
In matters where the journal does not have institutional investigative authority, it evaluates the available information and findings within the scope of its editorial responsibility rather than conducting an inquiry beyond its remit.
9. Localized Problems
Where a problem affects only a limited part of a work and the remainder remains scientifically reliable, an appropriate correction or another post-publication notice may be considered instead of full retraction.
10. Article Removal
Complete removal of a published article from the online environment is considered only in exceptional circumstances. These may include legal requirements, serious violations of personal data or privacy, a court order, or other extraordinary conditions in which continued accessibility would cause serious and concrete harm.
Where possible, the bibliographic record is preserved and an explanatory notice is published stating why the content is no longer accessible.
11. Updated Versions
Significant changes made to published articles are documented in a manner that enables readers to understand what was changed. Content is not altered silently or without a trace in a way that would undermine the transparency of the scholarly record.
12. Decision-Making Authority
The final editorial decision concerning post-publication actions is made by the authorized editor after considering the available evidence, authors' explanations, institutional findings where relevant, and the reliability of the scholarly record.
13. Transparency
Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern are published, as far as possible, in a clear, accessible manner and are linked to the original article. Unnecessary personal or confidential information is not disclosed in such notices.
14. Policy Review and Updating
SAER Journal may review and update this policy as necessary in line with good practice in scholarly publishing and research integrity.
