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Corrections & Retractions



Standards & Policies

Version: 1.0 | Last updated: 2026-03-05

The publisher provides mechanisms for correcting publications in the event that errors or issues affecting the reliability of the content are detected. The purpose of corrections and retractions is to safeguard scientific integrity, ensure transparency towards readers, and preserve the integrity of the publication record.

COPE Standards

The publisher adopts an approach consistent with COPE best practices regarding:

  • determining whether a situation warrants a correction, retraction, editorial note or withdrawal,
  • transparent communication with readers (clear indication of the publication’s status),
  • determining whether a situation warrants a correction, retraction, editorial note or withdrawal,
  • transparent communication with readers (clear indication of the publication’s status),
  • documenting decisions and ensuring that parties have the opportunity to present their views,
  • maintaining consistent and proportionate procedures.

Types of action

Depending on the nature of the problem, the Publisher may apply:

  • Correction / retraction

Used when an error does not invalidate the main conclusions of the publication but requires explicit correction (e.g. editorial error, data error, incorrect figure caption, bibliographic error, missing information).

  • Retraction

Used when the content is unreliable or significantly breaches ethical standards (e.g. plagiarism, fabrication/falsification of data, serious manipulation of results, undisclosed conflict of interest of significant importance, serious copyright infringement).

  • Expression of concern / editorial note

May be used in situations where there are serious grounds for suspecting a problem, but the investigation is still ongoing, and it is important to inform readers of the risk of unreliability.

Guidelines for publishing corrections and retractions

Corrections and retractions are published in a prominent and unambiguous manner, with a reference to the original publication.

In the case of electronic versions, the publication retains its bibliographic identification, and its status (e.g. ‘withdrawn’) is clearly marked.

Information regarding the reason is provided to the extent necessary to ensure transparency, whilst respecting the principles of confidentiality and data protection.

Procedure in the event of a report of an error or suspected misconduct

In the event of a report of an irregularity, in accordance with COPE practices, the Publisher:

  • registers the case, verifies the grounds and documents the findings,
  • contacts the parties and requests clarification within a reasonable timeframe,
  • where necessary, consults the matter with reviewers/experts or the relevant university authorities,
  • decides on the course of action (correction / note / retraction / refusal to take further action,
  • publishes information about the decision in a transparent manner and informs the parties of the grounds for the decision and the appeal procedure [See: Complaints and appeals].

Confidentiality and data protection

The publisher handles corrections and retractions in a confidential manner and processes personal data only to the extent necessary to clarify the matter, reach a decision and inform the parties concerned. Published notices (corrections/notes/retractions) contain information necessary for the transparency and security of the scientific process, whilst respecting data protection principles [See: Data protection (GDPR)].

Ethics/Reports Contact

Please direct reports of errors, requests for corrections and reports of potential misconduct to the address designated for ethical matters: etyka.wydawnictwo@uksw.edu.pl.

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