Conflict of Interest Policy

Conflict of Interest Policy

The Journal implements and applies a comprehensive policy for the prevention, identification, disclosure, and management of conflicts of interest in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the principles of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the standards of transparency set forth in the COPE Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing.

1. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest is any financial, professional, personal, institutional, academic, or other relationship that may influence, or reasonably be perceived as influencing, the objectivity, impartiality, or independence of participants in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, and editors.

Conflicts of interest may include, but are not limited to:

  • financial relationships, including grants, funding, honoraria, employment, consultancy, or participation in commercial projects;
  • institutional or supervisory relationships;
  • joint publications or scientific collaboration;
  • personal or professional relationships;
  • academic competition or disputes;
  • any other circumstances that may affect impartiality.

2. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

All participants in the publication process are required to disclose the existence or absence of any conflict of interest.

2.1. For Authors

Authors must:

  • submit a completed EASE Interactive Checklist for Submitting Authors;
  • disclose all financial and non-financial relationships in accordance with ICMJE recommendations;
  • confirm the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.

The EASE Interactive Checklist can be downloaded here: Interactive Checklist for Submitting Authors.

2.2. For Reviewers

Reviewers are required to:

  • inform the Editorial Office of any potential conflict of interest before accepting a review assignment;
  • decline the review invitation if a conflict of interest exists;
  • refrain from using information obtained through peer review for personal benefit.

2.3. For Editors

Editors must:

  • disclose conflicts of interest related to manuscripts under their consideration;
  • refrain from participating in editorial decisions when a conflict exists;
  • ensure transparency and integrity throughout the editorial process.

3. Conflict of Interest Management Procedure

If a conflict of interest is identified, the Journal applies the following procedure:

  • recusal of the editor or reviewer with the conflict of interest;
  • appointment of an independent handling editor without a conflict of interest;
  • assignment of independent reviewers;
  • documentation of all relevant circumstances, actions, and editorial decisions within the editorial management system;
  • notification of authors regarding any applicable restrictions or decisions when necessary.

All decisions are made in accordance with the principles of impartiality, fairness, and transparency.

4. Handling Manuscripts Submitted by Editors and Editorial Board Members

The Journal applies a separate procedure for manuscripts submitted by the Editor-in-Chief, editors, or members of the Editorial Board.

In such cases:

  • the submitting editor or Editorial Board member is completely excluded from the editorial handling of the manuscript;
  • an independent handling editor is appointed;
  • independent peer review is ensured;
  • reviewers are selected from outside any potential conflict-of-interest network;
  • editorial decisions are made without the involvement of the interested party.

This procedure is consistent with COPE recommendations regarding submissions from editors and Editorial Board members.

5. Documentation and Transparency

The Editorial Office ensures:

  • retention of conflict-of-interest declarations;
  • documentation of decisions related to conflict management;
  • recording of reasons for editor or reviewer recusal;
  • the possibility of internal auditing of editorial processes;
  • compliance with principles of transparency and best practices in scholarly publishing.

6. Violations of the Policy

In cases where an undisclosed conflict of interest is identified, the Editorial Office will assess the situation in accordance with COPE recommendations.

Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, the Journal may:

  • request additional explanations from the authors;
  • require submission or correction of a conflict-of-interest declaration;
  • reject the manuscript;
  • publish a correction, editorial note, or expression of concern;
  • initiate article retraction procedures.