Publication Ethics and Misconduct

Biomedical Research and Theory Letters (BRTL) is a peer‑reviewed journal. This statement explains the ethical behavior of all parties involved in the act of publishing articles in this journal as well as alleged research violations, including the authors, Editor‑in‑Chief, Editorial Board, peer‑reviewers, and publishers. This statement is based on the COPE Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.

Guidelines for Journal Publication Ethics

Articles in Biomedical Research and Theory Letters (BRTL) are an important building block in the development of a coherent and respected knowledge network. This is a direct reflection of the quality of the work of the authors and the institutions that support them. Peer‑reviewed articles support and embody the scientific method. Therefore, it is important to agree on the standards of ethical behavior expected of all parties involved in the act of publishing: authors, journal editors, peer reviewers, publishers, and the public.

The publisher of Biomedical Research and Theory Letters (BRTL) takes the duty of guardianship over all stages of publishing very seriously, and we are aware of our ethical and other responsibilities. We are committed to ensuring that advertising, reprint, or other commercial revenue has no impact or influence on editorial decisions.

Alleged Research Infringement

Errors such as falsification, fabrication, manipulation of citations, or plagiarism in producing, conducting, or reviewing research and writing articles by authors, or in reporting research results, are considered violations. When authors are found to be involved in research violations or other serious irregularities involving articles that have already been published, the Editor has a responsibility to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the scientific record.

In cases of suspected violations, the Editors and the Editorial Board will use COPE best practices to help them resolve complaints and deal fairly with violations. This may include investigations, rejection of submissions, or retraction of published papers.

Publication Decisions

The Editor is responsible for deciding which articles submitted to the journal should be published, guided by the editorial board and legal requirements such as those regarding defamation, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.

Complaints and Appeals

Biomedical Research and Theory Letters (BRTL) has a clear procedure for handling complaints against the journal, Editorial Staff, Editorial Board, or Publisher. Complaints will be processed according to COPE guidelines.

Post‑Publication Discussion

The journal permits debate posts either on its website, by letter to the editor, or on a moderated external site.

Fair Play

Editors evaluate manuscripts at all times for their intellectual content regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, nationality, or political philosophy of the authors.

Confidentiality

Editors and editorial staff may not disclose any information about submitted manuscripts to anyone other than the respective authors, reviewers, prospective reviewers, editorial advisors, and publishers, as appropriate.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Unpublished material disclosed in submitted manuscripts may not be used in the editor's own research without the written consent of the author.

Data Sharing Policy

Biomedical Research and Theory Letters (BRTL) is committed to a more open research landscape, facilitating reproducibility and verification of data, methodologies, and reporting standards. Authors are encouraged to share their research data including raw data, processed data, software, algorithms, protocols, methods, and materials.

Duties of Reviewers

  • Contribute to Editorial Decisions: Peer reviews assist editors in making decisions and help authors improve papers.

  • Appropriateness: Reviewers must decline if unqualified or unavailable.

  • Confidentiality: Manuscripts must be treated as confidential documents.

  • Objectivity: Reviews must be conducted objectively, with clear supporting arguments.

  • Acknowledgment of Sources: Reviewers must identify relevant published work not cited by authors.

  • Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers must avoid manuscripts where conflicts of interest exist.

Duties of Authors

  • Reporting Standards: Authors must present accurate accounts of work performed.

  • Originality and Plagiarism: Authors must ensure originality and proper citation.

  • Multiple Publications: Manuscripts must not be submitted to more than one journal simultaneously.

  • Acknowledgment of Sources: Proper acknowledgment of others’ work is mandatory.

  • Authorship: Limited to those who made significant contributions.

  • Conflicts of Interest: All financial or substantive conflicts must be disclosed.

  • Errors in Published Work: Authors must promptly notify the journal of significant errors.

  • Ethical Oversight: Research involving humans, animals, or hazardous materials must comply with ethical standards and approvals.