Ethical Oversight

1. Introduction

IJASCE is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in research and publishing. This policy ensures that all studies involving human participants, animals, confidential data, or vulnerable populations are conducted and reported responsibly. It reflects the COPE Core Practices, WAME ethical standards, and ICMJE recommendations for ethical research and publication.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all submissions involving:

  • Human participants, data, or biological materials

  • Animal experiments

  • Vulnerable populations

  • Use of confidential or sensitive data

  • Ethical concerns in study design or publication practices

It also applies to all stakeholders including authors, reviewers, editors, and the journal’s editorial office.

3. Policy Statement and Guidelines

Authors must conduct and report research in compliance with applicable ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. Manuscripts must include clear statements of ethical approval, informed consent, and data protection, where relevant.

3.1 Research Involving Humans

Studies involving human subjects must:

  • Have prior approval from an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee.

  • Include the name of the approving body and approval reference in the manuscript.

  • Confirm that informed consent was obtained from all participants.

If verbal consent was obtained or ethics approval was waived, a justification and documentation from the committee must be provided.

3.2 Research Involving Animals

Authors must ensure humane treatment of animals and provide:

  • Evidence of compliance with institutional and national ethical guidelines.

  • Name of the ethics committee and approval number.

  • Details on animal welfare measures and housing.

IJASCE recommends adherence to the ARRIVE guidelines for animal research reporting.

3.3 Research on Vulnerable Populations

Extra care must be taken when conducting research involving vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly, disadvantaged communities). Authors must:

  • Explain how vulnerability was addressed

  • Demonstrate ethical sensitivity and additional safeguards

3.4 Use of Confidential or Sensitive Data

Authors using personal, institutional, or proprietary data must:

  • Confirm compliance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR)

  • Ensure appropriate consent or authorization was obtained

  • Anonymize data where necessary

3.5 Misrepresentation and Ethical Breaches

Research involving fabrication, falsification, or undisclosed unethical conduct will not be published and may be retracted if discovered post-publication. Suspected breaches will be handled in accordance with COPE guidelines.

4. Responsibilities

Authors must ensure ethical approval is obtained and described accurately.
Reviewers are expected to assess ethical aspects of the study and alert editors to potential concerns.
Editors must evaluate compliance with ethical standards before proceeding with peer review or publication.
The journal reserves the right to request supporting documentation or reject a manuscript on ethical grounds.

5. Process for Handling Breaches

In cases of suspected ethical violations, IJASCE will:

  • Conduct an internal investigation

  • Request clarifications or supporting documents

  • Contact the author’s institution if necessary

  • Issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern based on the findings

All allegations will be handled confidentially and in line with COPE flowcharts.

6. Related Policies and References

  • COPE Ethical Oversight Guidelines

  • WAME Recommendations on Study Ethics

  • ICMJE Recommendations on Protection of Research Participants

  • IJASCE’s Allegations of Misconduct Policy

  • Declaration of Helsinki

7. Review and Updates

This policy was last reviewed in August 2025 and will be reviewed annually or as new ethical standards and regulatory requirements emerge.