Research Misconduct Policy

The Global South Journal of Applied Research (GSJAR) will examine credible allegations of research or publication misconduct before or after publication.

Misconduct may include fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, unethical research, manipulation of images or data, duplicate submission, redundant publication, inappropriate authorship, peer-review manipulation, citation manipulation, concealment of conflicts, document falsification or deliberate misuse of artificial intelligence.

Concerns should be submitted to editor@gsjar.org with sufficient detail and, where possible, supporting evidence. Anonymous allegations may be considered when they contain specific and verifiable information.

The journal will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the concern falls within its responsibility and whether further information is required. The affected author or other individual may be invited to respond. Manuscript processing may be paused while material concerns are examined.

The journal does not replace an institution, employer, funder or regulatory body in conducting a full investigation. Where necessary, GSJAR may refer the matter to an appropriate institution or authority and may request the outcome of an investigation.

Confidentiality will be maintained as far as practicable, but information may be shared when necessary to verify evidence, protect participants, obtain institutional assistance or preserve the scholarly record.

Possible outcomes include no action, clarification, revision, rejection, withdrawal of acceptance, correction, expression of concern, retraction, reviewer removal or restriction on future participation in journal processes.

Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is unacceptable. Knowingly false, malicious or harassing allegations may themselves be treated as an abuse of the journal’s processes.