Correction and Retraction Policy

CHEMISTRY PROGRESS is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scientific record. The journal recognizes that errors or concerns may occasionally arise after an article has been published. When necessary, the journal will take appropriate action to correct the scholarly record in accordance with recognized publication ethics principles, including relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be addressed without invalidating the main findings or conclusions of the research.

Corrections may include, but are not limited to, errors in author names or affiliations, typographical errors that affect the interpretation of the text, inaccurate figures or tables, incorrect data presentation, or other factual errors requiring formal amendment.

Requests for corrections may be submitted by authors, readers, editors, or other relevant parties to the editorial office. The editorial team will assess the nature and significance of the reported error and may consult the authors or independent experts when necessary.

If a correction is warranted, CHEMISTRY PROGRESS will publish a formal correction notice describing the error and the corresponding amendment. The notice will be linked to the original article to ensure transparency and traceability. The original article will generally remain accessible, with an appropriate indication that a correction has been published.

2. Retractions

A retraction may be necessary when the reliability or integrity of a published article is substantially compromised. Retraction is intended to alert readers that the findings or conclusions of an article should not be relied upon as part of the scientific record.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

  • Clear evidence that the findings are unreliable because of serious errors, fabricated data, or falsified results.

  • Plagiarism or substantial unattributed duplication that compromises the originality or integrity of the publication.

  • Duplicate publication that materially violates publication ethics.

  • Serious ethical violations in the conduct or reporting of research.

  • Undisclosed or improperly handled research misconduct that significantly undermines the validity or integrity of the article.

  • Other substantiated circumstances that seriously compromise the reliability of the published work.

Retraction decisions will be based on the available evidence and the seriousness of the concern. Honest errors may also warrant retraction when they fundamentally invalidate the research findings, even in the absence of misconduct.

3. Retraction Procedure

When a potential reason for retraction is identified, CHEMISTRY PROGRESS will conduct an editorial assessment and, where appropriate, seek explanations from the authors and consult independent experts or relevant institutions.

Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised. However, the journal may proceed with appropriate measures when the evidence justifies action to protect the scientific record, even if the authors do not respond or disagree with the decision.

If retraction is warranted, the journal will publish a clear and accessible retraction notice that:

  • Identifies the retracted article and provides its bibliographic information and DOI, where available.

  • Explains the reasons for retraction in sufficient detail to inform readers.

  • Identifies the party initiating the retraction, where appropriate.

  • Is linked to the original article and made clearly distinguishable from the original publication.

The original article will generally remain available to preserve the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as retracted. The retraction notice will be published promptly once the decision has been finalized.

4. Expressions of Concern

When substantial concerns have been raised but an investigation is ongoing or the available evidence is insufficient to reach a final decision, CHEMISTRY PROGRESS may publish an expression of concern.

An expression of concern serves to inform readers of a potential issue affecting a published article while further assessment is undertaken. It may be updated or followed by a correction, retraction, or other appropriate editorial action when additional evidence becomes available.

5. Responsibilities of Authors and Readers

Authors are responsible for promptly informing the editorial office if they discover significant errors in their published work that may affect the accuracy or interpretation of the findings.

Readers, reviewers, and other members of the scientific community are encouraged to report suspected errors or publication ethics concerns, providing relevant details and supporting evidence whenever possible.

All reports will be assessed fairly and confidentially, subject to applicable ethical, legal, and procedural requirements.

6. Editorial Independence and Transparency

Decisions concerning corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will be made independently by the editorial team based on the evidence, the impact on the scientific record, and relevant publication ethics principles.

CHEMISTRY PROGRESS will seek to ensure that editorial actions are proportionate, transparent, and properly documented. The journal will not remove a published article solely because of disagreement with its conclusions or because the findings are controversial, provided that the work meets appropriate standards of scientific integrity.

Through this policy, CHEMISTRY PROGRESS aims to preserve trust in scholarly communication and ensure that the scientific record remains as accurate and reliable as possible.