The International Journal of Bio Sciences and Chemistry is committed to maintaining an accurate, reliable, and transparent scholarly record. If an error, concern, or other issue is identified after publication, the journal will assess the matter and take appropriate editorial action based on the available evidence, with reference to relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.

Depending on the nature and seriousness of an issue, the journal may issue a Correction, an Expression of Concern, a Retraction, or another appropriate editorial notice.

Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error, omission, or inaccuracy affects a published article but does not undermine the overall reliability of its findings. This may include factual or numerical errors, scientific data, experimental results, figures, tables, chemical structures, molecular diagrams, references, author details, institutional affiliations, funding information, or disclosure statements.

Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect scientific meaning may be addressed through routine editorial maintenance. Substantive errors are handled through a formal Correction Notice identifying the affected article and explaining the necessary changes. The notice will be linked to the original article, which may be updated accordingly.

Authors, readers, reviewers, or editors may report a suspected error. The editorial team will assess the concern and may request clarification, original research data, laboratory records, analytical results, or other supporting documentation. Where necessary, the journal may consult subject experts or relevant institutions.

Concerns involving authorship, conflicts of interest, research ethics, or the reliability of scientific results will be assessed in accordance with the journal's applicable policies, including its Authorship Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Research Ethics Policy, and Publication Ethics Policy.

Retractions

A retraction may be considered when reliable evidence indicates that a published article, or a substantial part of it, is no longer sufficiently reliable or ethically acceptable. Circumstances may include:

Each case will be assessed individually. An identified error does not automatically require retraction, and an honest, unintentional mistake does not by itself constitute misconduct. Where the issue can be addressed accurately without undermining the article's overall reliability, a correction will generally be considered instead.

Where practicable, the authors will be given an opportunity to respond before a decision is made. The journal may also consult independent reviewers, subject experts, research institutions, or other relevant parties when necessary.

Retraction decisions are made independently of any Article Processing Charge (APC), payment status, refund request, or other financial consideration.

Expression of Concern

Where significant concerns have been raised about a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to determine whether a correction or retraction is warranted, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern while further information or investigation is obtained.

Such concerns may relate to the reliability of biological or chemical research data, experimental procedures, image integrity, ethical approval, research conduct, or other matters that could affect confidence in the published findings.

Following further assessment, the journal may issue a Correction, a Retraction, or another appropriate editorial notice.

Retraction Notice and Published Record

The original Digital Object Identifier (DOI) will normally be retained, and relevant publication metadata may be updated where technically possible. Where appropriate, the journal may notify relevant indexing services, abstracting databases, repositories, and other scholarly discovery platforms. The timing of updates by third-party services is outside the journal's control.

A retraction is distinct from an article withdrawal, which generally applies to a manuscript that has not yet been formally published. Such cases are handled separately under the journal's applicable withdrawal procedures.

Appeals

Authors may request reconsideration of a correction or retraction decision when substantial new evidence becomes available, relevant information has been overlooked, or a significant procedural error has occurred.

An appeal should clearly explain the grounds for reconsideration and provide relevant supporting documentation where available. Depending on the circumstances, the journal may seek additional expert advice or conduct further assessment.

Submitting an appeal does not automatically suspend an existing editorial notice. Any revised decision will be based on the available evidence, the applicable policies, and the circumstances of the case.

Confidentiality

Correction and retraction matters will be handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information may be shared where reasonably necessary to investigate a concern, verify scientific data, obtain clarification, consult relevant experts or institutions, comply with applicable requirements, or protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

The identity of individuals raising concerns will not be disclosed unnecessarily. Information relating to authors, reviewers, research participants, or confidential research materials will be handled in accordance with the journal's applicable privacy and confidentiality policies.

Fees and Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are based on the available evidence, the reliability of the published research, applicable ethical standards, and the need to maintain the integrity of the scientific record.

Editorial Responsibility

Decisions concerning corrections and retractions are made by the journal's editorial team based on the available evidence and the circumstances of each case. Where necessary, the editorial team may consult independent subject experts, research institutions, or other relevant parties before reaching a decision.

The purpose of these actions is to preserve the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scientific record in biological sciences, chemistry, and related research fields, rather than to penalize authors for genuine and unintentional mistakes.

This policy is informed by relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.