Publication Ethics for Journals

Stanford University Press is a member of the Association of University Presses (AUP), which is an associate member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). SUP promotes and adheres to the guidance set forth by COPE in all matters relating to the integrity, transparency, and rigor of the scholarly work of its journals.

Responsibilities of Editors and Authors: Editors and authors play fundamental roles in maintaining the integrity and quality of scholarly publications. Editors are responsible for evaluating and curating submissions, ensuring they meet the journal’s standards for originality, quality, and ethical considerations. Authors are tasked with upholding ethical practices in their research and submissions, providing truthful data, and declaring conflicts of interest. This collaboration fosters a respectful and productive scholarly environment.

Confidentiality and Fairness in Review Processes: SUP promotes confidentiality and fairness in all stages of manuscript review. All submissions must be handled discreetly, ensuring that the identities of reviewers and the integrity of research subjects are protected. We commit to providing a balanced review process that values diverse contributions, eliminating any biases or favoritism. Respect for all submitted works is paramount as we strive for excellence through impartial evaluations.

Integrity and Transparency: We uphold integrity and transparency for all journals by supporting informed and just editorial decisions. Editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and strive to resolve them ethically. Transparency is a key tenet; authors shall be informed of the review process, and editorial decisions will be based on clear, relevant criteria. We believe that fostering trust through openness is essential in maintaining the reputation of our journals and the validity of the research we publish.

Corrections and Retractions: In the event that errors, inaccuracies, or ethical issues are identified in articles published in our journals, we support the prompt issuance of retractions or corrections as necessary. We are committed to thoroughly investigating any concerns reported to us and to taking appropriate action. When a decision is made to retract or correct a published article, we will promptly publish a notice outlining the reasons for the retraction or correction. This notice will be clearly linked to the original article to ensure clarity and transparency.

Equity, Inclusion, and Respectful Discourse: SUP is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable scholarly community. We value diverse perspectives and encourage constructive discussions among authors, editors, reviewers, and readers. Our commitment extends to ensuring that the journal environment is free from discrimination, harassment, and hostility, promoting respectful discourse that reflects the best of academic standards.

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights: We respect and protect the intellectual property rights of authors by upholding copyright policies and acknowledging all contributions appropriately.

Professional Conduct: Professionalism is expected in all interactions related to the publication process, and breaches of ethical conduct may result in serious consequences, including removal from our publishing network. Authors and editors must feel empowered to raise concerns or issues, as we provide an appeals mechanism for addressing any perceived injustice in editorial decisions. For more information, see SUP’s general Code of Conduct.

Acknowledging the significance of these principles, SUP dedicates itself to fostering an ethical, collaborative, and respectful publishing environment that honors the contributions of all individuals involved in the academic process. To raise a concern or report a breach of these principles, please contact CoC@www.sup.org.