A retraction alerts readers that an article, or a substantial part of it, cannot be relied upon. Retraction protects the integrity of the scholarly record. It may follow a major honest error as well as misconduct; the decision concerns the reliability and validity of the publication.

Grounds for consideration

The journal may consider retraction where findings are substantially unreliable, significant material has been plagiarized or published redundantly without adequate disclosure, research was conducted unethically, evidence was used without necessary authorization, or the review and publication process was materially compromised. The extent and effect of an undisclosed competing interest may also require assessment.

An authorship disagreement alone does not ordinarily justify retraction when the research remains reliable. A limited error that can be corrected without invalidating the principal findings may instead require a correction.

Assessment and decision

Editors examine the available records, seek explanations from relevant parties, and may obtain independent advice or institutional findings. Authors are informed of the concerns and given an opportunity to respond. The handling of a case must be independent of a relevant editorial conflict.

Author agreement is sought where appropriate, but it is not required when sufficient evidence warrants a decision. If a serious concern cannot yet be resolved and readers need information, the journal may publish an expression of concern while the enquiry continues. Relevant guidance includes the COPE Retraction Guidelines.

The public record

The notice identifies the article, explains the established grounds, and states who is issuing the retraction. It distinguishes verified findings from unresolved allegations and avoids unnecessary personal information. The notice and article are linked, and the article is clearly marked as retracted.

The original publication normally remains accessible so that readers can follow its citation and version history. Exceptional removal may be required for legal, privacy, or serious safety reasons. Authors and readers should use the notice when describing the status of the work and update repository descriptions where feasible.

Concerns should be reported with specific evidence under Complaints & Appeals.