Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

Vera Academic Press is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing. The Press follows internationally recognized principles of publication ethics and aligns its practices with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

This statement outlines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher.

1. Duties of Authors

Authors submitting work to Vera Academic Press are expected to:

Submit original work that has not been previously published and is not under consideration elsewhere
Properly acknowledge and cite all sources used
Ensure that all listed authors meet accepted criteria for authorship
Disclose any competing interests that may influence the research or interpretation of the work
Obtain necessary permissions for any third-party material included in the work
Comply with ethical standards relevant to their research field

Plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, and unethical authorship practices are not tolerated.

2. Duties of Editors

Editors at Vera Academic Press are responsible for:

Making publication decisions based solely on scholarly merit, originality, and relevance
Ensuring a fair, unbiased, and confidential review process
Maintaining editorial independence and avoiding conflicts of interest
Taking appropriate action in cases of suspected misconduct
Ensuring that submissions comply with the Press’s ethical and editorial policies

Editorial decisions are not influenced by commercial considerations or personal relationships.

3. Duties of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

Conduct reviews objectively, constructively, and within the agreed timeframe
Treat all manuscripts as confidential documents
Declare any potential conflicts of interest and decline review where appropriate
Provide feedback that supports authors in improving the quality of their work
Refrain from using information obtained during peer review for personal advantage

4. Peer Review Process

Vera Academic Press applies a double-blind peer review process for all scholarly publications.

Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent experts. Editorial decisions are based on reviewers’ reports and the editors’ academic judgment.

5. Handling of Research Misconduct

The Press takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including but not limited to:

Plagiarism
Fabrication or falsification of data
Duplicate or redundant publication
Improper authorship practices

Suspected cases are investigated in accordance with COPE guidelines. Where misconduct is confirmed, appropriate actions may include rejection, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.

6. Conflicts of Interest

All participants in the publication process—authors, editors, and reviewers—must disclose any competing interests that could influence the evaluation or publication of a work.

Failure to disclose relevant conflicts may result in corrective action.

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

When necessary, Vera Academic Press will publish corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

Such actions will be taken transparently and in accordance with ethical publishing standards.

8. Complaints and Appeals

Authors may submit complaints or appeals regarding editorial decisions or ethical concerns through the official communication channels of the Press.

All complaints are handled fairly, confidentially, and in a timely manner.

9. Ethical Oversight

Vera Academic Press regularly reviews its editorial and ethical policies to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices in academic publishing.