The following document constitutes a formal policy of EP Journals Group. It is intended to be read together with related policies and guidance notes published by the organisation. This policy applies to all journals under the EP Journals Group imprint and is implemented across the organisation on a continuing basis.
Publication frequency across the portfolio is monthly. Where timelines are referenced, they are stated as typical timeframes and may vary by discipline, submission volume, and the requirements of the peer review process. The organisation retains the right to apply additional checks where warranted by a specific case.
Scope and purpose
EP Journals Group publishes peer-reviewed scholarly work on a monthly basis across multiple disciplines. Research integrity is treated as a continuing obligation that applies before submission, during peer review, and after publication. The purpose of this policy is to formalise the expectations placed on authors and to define how integrity concerns are assessed.
Integrity concerns may involve data integrity, methodological transparency, ethical approvals, reporting completeness, or the reliability of findings. The organisation recognises that honest error is distinct from misconduct; however, both may require correction of the literature.
Data and reproducibility expectations
Authors are expected to retain underlying data, analysis outputs, and relevant methodological materials for a reasonable period following publication. Where data cannot be shared due to confidentiality, legal restrictions, or safety concerns, authors should provide an explanation and, where feasible, a mechanism for controlled access.
Manuscripts should provide sufficient methodological detail to allow informed assessment by reviewers and, where appropriate, to support replication. Where specialised software or proprietary methods are used, authors should state this clearly.
Editorial screening and checks
The editorial office may undertake checks for plagiarism, duplicate submission indicators, unusual citation patterns, and obvious inconsistencies in figures or reported results. Checks may occur at submission, during revision, and prior to publication.
Screening is used as an integrity safeguard and does not substitute for peer review. Screening outcomes may lead to requests for clarification, additional documentation, or rejection.
Handling integrity concerns
Where concerns arise, the organisation may request raw data, ethics approvals, lab notebooks, or other supporting records. Authors are expected to respond within a reasonable timeframe. Where authors do not respond or where the response is inadequate, editorial action may be taken.
Outcomes may include rejection, publication of a correction, publication of an expression of concern, or retraction. The organisation may contact institutions where a formal investigation is required.
Post-publication integrity
Publication is not treated as the end of integrity oversight. Readers may submit substantive concerns at any time. Where warranted, the organisation will evaluate concerns and publish formal notices.
Because the portfolio is published monthly, updates to the record may be issued promptly once documentation is complete. Where a case is complex, notices may be delayed to preserve procedural fairness.
Policy enquiries
Enquiries regarding interpretation or application of this policy may be directed to the editorial office. Correspondence should identify the relevant journal (if applicable), the manuscript or article identifier (if applicable), and a concise description of the issue.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org