Correction and Retraction Policy

Research in the Mathematical and Natural Sciences (RMNS) maintains the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record in accordance with relevant COPE guidance.

1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when published errors require formal amendment but do not invalidate the article's principal findings or conclusions.

Corrections may concern mathematical equations, proofs, calculations, statistical results, figures, authorship information, methodological details, or disclosures.

Correction notices must identify the affected article, describe the changes, and be publicly linked to the original publication.

2. Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when credible and serious concerns arise about a published article but the available evidence is inconclusive or an investigation remains unresolved.

The notice must explain the concern objectively and remain linked to the article.

3. Retractions

Retraction may be necessary when principal findings are unreliable or serious ethical violations justify withdrawing the article from the trusted scholarly record.

Grounds may include fundamental scientific errors, fabrication, falsification, substantial plagiarism, duplicate publication, compromised peer review, or serious research ethics violations.

Authors will ordinarily be given an opportunity to respond. Their agreement is not required when sufficient grounds for retraction exist.

The original article will generally remain accessible, prominently marked RETRACTED, and linked to a formal retraction notice.

Retraction corrects the scholarly record; it is not intended as punishment.

4. Article Removal

Article removal is reserved for exceptional legal, privacy, confidentiality, or safety circumstances. A bibliographic record and explanatory notice should remain where legally permissible.