Definition

A conflict of interest occurs when a person or institution has competing interests or obligations that could influence their objectivity or impartiality in the publishing process.

Authors

• Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that may influence their research or its interpretation.
• Examples include funding sources, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or patent applications related to the work.
• A conflict of interest statement must be included in the manuscript or submitted separately.

Reviewers

• Reviewers must recuse themselves from reviewing a manuscript if they have a personal or professional connection with the authors or the research that could compromise impartiality.
• All reviewers are required to declare any potential conflict before accepting the review assignment.

Editors and Editorial Board Members

• Editors must not make decisions on manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest.
• Any editorial board member with a conflict of interest should inform the editorial office and be excluded from the review or decision-making process.

Transparency and Management

• Conflicts of interest, when disclosed, will be evaluated by the editorial team to determine appropriate action.
• Undisclosed conflicts discovered after publication may result in corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern.