To protect the reliability of the scientific record, CMI maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward research misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to:

Plagiarism: The appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.

Data Fabrication and Falsification: Inventing data or results (fabrication) or manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, including changing or omitting data such that the research is not accurately represented (falsification).

Image and Dataset Manipulation: The intentional manipulation of digital images or datasets to mislead readers or obscure original findings.

Redundant Publication: Submitting the same (or substantially similar) work to multiple journals simultaneously or publishing the same research more than once without proper justification.

Unethical Research Practices: Failing to adhere to established ethical protocols for human or animal subjects.

When credible concerns regarding the integrity of a submission or a published article are raised, CMI follows a structured investigative protocol:

Initial Inquiry: The journal may pause the peer review or publication process to conduct a preliminary internal assessment.

Collaboration: Where necessary, CMI will collaborate with the authors’ home institutions, funding bodies, or relevant regulatory authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

Communication: Authors will be given the opportunity to provide clarifications or evidence to address the concerns raised.

Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, the Editorial Board may take the following actions:

Clarifications or Corrections: Issuing a formal Erratum or Corrigendum for minor, non-intentional errors.

Rejection: Immediate rejection of a manuscript currently under review.

Expression of Concern: Publishing a formal notice if an investigation is inconclusive but serious concerns remain.

Retraction: Formally withdrawing a published article from the scientific record if findings are proven unreliable or the work is found to be unethical.

Notification of Authorities: Formally reporting serious breaches of integrity to the author’s institution or professional body.

Our Commitment: These measures are not merely punitive; they are essential for upholding the trust that the global scientific community and the public place in CMI.