Correction and Retraction Policy
The Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. Published articles form part of the permanent scientific literature, and BJSTR recognizes its responsibility to correct the published record when errors, inaccuracies, ethical concerns, or other significant issues are identified.
This policy sets out the principles and procedures used by BJSTR when considering corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, and other post-publication actions.
BJSTR may take corrective action on its own initiative or in response to credible concerns raised by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, research organizations, ethics committees, regulators, or other relevant parties.
- General Principles
BJSTR evaluates post-publication concerns based on the reliability, integrity, and ethical status of the published work.
The appropriate editorial action will depend on:
BJSTR may take action even where the authors do not agree, provided that sufficient evidence supports the decision.
- Corrections
A correction may be published when an error is identified that affects the published article but does not invalidate the overall reliability of the research, findings, or conclusions.
Corrections may be considered for:
The decision to publish a correction will be made by the Editorial Board or authorized editorial representatives.
A correction will generally be published as a separate, permanently accessible notice linked to the original article. The original article may also be amended where technically and editorially appropriate, with a clear indication that a correction has been made.
- Major Corrections
Where an error is substantial but the article remains fundamentally reliable, BJSTR may publish a major correction or an appropriate editorial amendment.
A major correction may be considered where:
The correction notice will explain the nature of the error and identify the affected content as clearly as reasonably possible.
- Expression of Concern
BJSTR may publish an Expression of Concern where serious questions have been raised about an article but the available evidence is not yet sufficient to justify immediate retraction.
An Expression of Concern may be issued where:
An Expression of Concern does not, by itself, constitute a finding of misconduct or a final determination that the article is unreliable.
Following further investigation, the article may subsequently be corrected, retracted, or left unchanged.
- Retraction
Retraction is an exceptional corrective action used where an article is determined to be sufficiently unreliable, ethically compromised, or otherwise unsuitable for continued publication in its current form.
BJSTR may retract an article where there is substantial evidence of:
Retraction may be initiated by the authors, the journal, the publisher, an institution, a regulatory authority, or another party providing credible evidence.
BJSTR may retract an article even if the authors do not agree with the decision.
- Retraction Notices
A retracted article will be accompanied by a separate and clearly identifiable Retraction Notice.
The notice will, where appropriate:
The Retraction Notice will remain part of the permanent scholarly record.
- Retained Access to Retracted Articles
A retracted article will generally remain available in the journal archive to preserve the integrity and transparency of the scholarly record.
The article will be clearly marked RETRACTED on the article webpage and, where technically feasible, on the article PDF and other electronic versions.
The original article will not ordinarily be deleted or removed. A prominent retraction statement and link to the Retraction Notice will be provided.
In exceptional circumstances involving serious legal, privacy, confidentiality, copyright, or public safety concerns, BJSTR may restrict or remove access to the original article where continued availability would create significant risk.
- Author-Initiated Corrections and Retractions
Authors are expected to notify BJSTR promptly if they discover a significant error, ethical concern, or other issue affecting their published article.
Authors may request:
All requests will be independently evaluated by the Editorial Board.
An author's request for retraction does not automatically result in retraction. The journal will assess the evidence and determine the appropriate editorial action.
Similarly, the absence of agreement from one or more authors will not prevent BJSTR from issuing a correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction where the available evidence supports such action.
- Institutional and External Investigations
Where appropriate, BJSTR may seek information from the authors' affiliated institutions, research organizations, ethics committees, regulatory bodies, or other competent authorities.
BJSTR may take editorial action before the conclusion of an external investigation if the available evidence is sufficient to protect the integrity of the published record.
The journal may also revise or supplement a previously published correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction notice if additional reliable information becomes available.
- Authorship and Disputes
BJSTR recognizes that authorship, contributorship, ownership, and other disputes may arise after publication.
Retraction is not ordinarily used solely to resolve disputes between authors or other parties.
Where appropriate, the journal may request institutional or other competent review of such disputes. Editorial action may nevertheless be taken where the dispute materially affects the reliability, integrity, or ethical status of the published article.
- Legal and Regulatory Considerations
BJSTR reserves the right to take action necessary to comply with applicable laws, court orders, regulatory requirements, privacy obligations, intellectual property rights, and other legally binding requirements.
Nothing in this policy limits the rights of the publisher or journal to protect the scholarly record, the rights and safety of individuals, or its legitimate legal interests.
- Editorial Authority
The Editorial Board and authorized publisher representatives retain final authority over decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, retractions, and other post-publication actions.
All decisions will be made with the objective of maintaining the accuracy, transparency, reliability, and integrity of the scientific record.
BJSTR may update this policy periodically to reflect developments in publication ethics, scholarly publishing standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Last Updated: July, 2026
