GRHAS maintains a research record through accurate reporting, accountable authorship and independent editorial assessment. These principles apply to submitted manuscripts, peer review, publication and responses to concerns after publication.

Authors’ responsibilities

Authors present an original contribution, identify the work and words of others, and report sources, methods and findings accurately. They disclose related manuscripts, earlier versions, funding and relevant interests. All listed authors should contribute to the work, approve the submission and be accountable for the parts they undertake.

The corresponding author coordinates approval, author order, declarations and communication. A proposed authorship change requires an explanation and agreement from the people affected. Acknowledged contributors should consent to being named.

Responsible research and reporting

Research involving people requires appropriate ethical oversight and consent. Authors should explain safeguards for privacy, vulnerable groups and identifiable material. Work involving communities, restricted archives or cultural knowledge should describe the relevant consultation, permissions and access conditions.

Present evidence faithfully and distinguish it from interpretation. Fabrication, falsification, misleading manipulation, substantial plagiarism and undisclosed redundant publication undermine the scholarly record. Disclose the relationship to overlapping data, translations and prior publications so that the editor can assess the contribution.

Editorial independence

Editors assess scholarly quality, relevance and integrity. Reviewers provide independent advice and protect confidential material. Editors manage competing interests and arrange independent handling of submissions involving members of the editorial team. Financial administration is separate from manuscript assessment.

Editors consider disagreement about interpretation in the light of evidence and scholarship. Integrity concerns are assessed as specific claims requiring investigation, with an opportunity for the people involved to respond.

Handling a concern

Send the article or submission identifier, a precise description and supporting evidence to [email protected]. The editor examines the material, seeks the authors’ response and may request original files or independent advice. Matters requiring an investigation of research conduct may be referred to the relevant institution.

The publication response follows the evidence: clarification or revision before publication; a correction when an error can be remedied while the work remains reliable; an expression of concern for a significant unresolved issue; or retraction when the publication is substantially unreliable or seriously compromised. The journal uses COPE guidance to support case handling.

Continuing responsibilities

Authors should report material errors promptly and cooperate with requests for relevant evidence. Notices explain the action and link to the affected article. The Complaints & Appeals Policy provides a route for challenging the handling of a decision or concern.