Publication Ethics and Misconduct
The URNCST Journal seeks to publish research of the highest quality and takes publication ethics and misconduct very seriously. The URNCST Journal is a follower of the International Committee (ICMJE)'s Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work. our listing was previously found on the ICMJE's website, however, this list was taken down by the ICMJE in April 2025.
Whether you are an editor, peer-reviewer, or author, if you are unfamiliar with publication ethics and misconduct, please take a moment to read about it on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
In the event of an URNCST Journal team member suspecting a case of misconduct, the URNCST Journal will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis by referring to the COPE flowcharts. A full copy of the URNCST Journal's Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement is available here.
Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools:
Authors may use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to support specific tasks during manuscript preparation (e.g., improving language clarity or grammar), provided such use is transparent, limited, and appropriate. AI tools must not be listed as authors, as they cannot take responsibility for the integrity or originality of a manuscript. Authors are fully responsible for all content submitted, including any material generated with AI assistance, and must carefully review and verify its accuracy, originality, and appropriateness. The use of AI tools must be disclosed in the manuscript's Acknowledgements or a separate disclosure statement, specifying the tool(s) used and the nature of their use. Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI, including use that leads to plagiarism, fabrication, or undisclosed image or data manipulation, will be considered a breach of publication ethics and handled in accordance with COPE guidelines. This policy was informed by guidance provided by multiple authorities on publishing guidance including the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and the European Association of Science Editors (EASE).
