Publication Ethics
Chapter 1 General Provisions
Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of these Regpations is to stippate matters concerning the establishment of research ethics for contributors to the scholarly journal Ocean and Polar Research (hereinafter “OPR”), regparly published by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (hereinafter “KIOST”). These Regpations aim to prevent research misconduct, ensure fair and systematic verification of research integrity, and prescribe the composition and operation of the Research Integrity Committee (hereinafter “the Committee”) for OPR.
Article 2 (Scope of Application)
These Regpations shall apply to all authors who submit or publish papers in OPR, as well as to their works, with respect to the establishment of research ethics and the verification of research integrity. Unless otherwise provided by applicable laws or regpations, these Regpations shall prevail.
Article 3 (Principle)
All authors submitting or publishing papers in OPR shall act in accordance with their academic conscience, submit original manuscripts to contribute to scholarly advancement, and comply with these Regpations on research ethics.
Article 4 (Definitions)
“Research misconduct” (hereinafter “misconduct”) refers to acts that compromise research integrity, including fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, improper authorship, or redundant publication/reuse of data or materials, whether committed intentionally or through gross negligence, during the proposal, conduct, or dissemination of research.
Chapter 2 Organization and Operation of the OPR Research Integrity Committee
Article 5 (Functions)
The Committee shall deliberate and resolve the following matters concerning the establishment and maintenance of research ethics:
1. Formpation and implementation of policies and systems on research ethics and integrity in OPR.
2. Receipt and investigation of allegations of misconduct related to OPR.
3. Protection of whistleblowers and measures to restore the reputation of respondents.
4. Handling of investigation respts and follow-up actions.
5. Any other matters referred by the Chairperson.
Article 6 (Composition of the Committee)
1. The Committee shall be composed of no more than ten members, including the Chairperson, convened as necessary for deliberation and decision-making. The Editor-in-Chief of OPR shall serve as the Chairperson.
2. Members shall be appointed by the President of KIOST.
3. The Secretariat of the Committee shall be administered by the editorial staff in charge of OPR.
Chapter 3 Verification of Research Integrity
Article 7 (Reporting and Receipt of Misconduct)
Whistleblowers may report misconduct to the Secretariat by any available means—oral, written, telephone, or electronic mail—and, in principle, shall do so under their real name. Anonymous reports are permissible if they are submitted in writing or by email with specific details and supporting evidence of the alleged misconduct.
Article 8 (Preliminary Investigation)
A preliminary investigation shall be conducted by the department responsible for publishing OPR. If necessary, the department may request external experts or establish a subcommittee to conduct the investigation.
Chapter 4 Measures Following Verification
Article 9 (Actions on the Respts)
Where research misconduct is confirmed, the following measures may be imposed:
1. Retraction of the article concerned, with notification to the head of the author’s affiliated institution.
2. Public announcement of the retraction.
3. Prohibition of submission to OPR by the author(s) found responsible for a period of three years.
Article 10 (Record Keeping and Disclosure)
1. Records relating to preliminary and main investigations shall be maintained by the department responsible for publishing OPR and preserved for five years following the conclusion of the investigation.
2. The final report may be disclosed once a determination has been reached; however, identifying information concerning whistleblowers, committee members, witnesses, informants, or advisors may be withheld if disclosure is deemed likely to cause disadvantage to the individuals concerned.
Ocean and Polar Research
