Procedure for Handling Complaints Concerning Violations of Academic Integrity and Publication Ethics

The editorial board of the scientific journal “Art and Design” ensures proper, timely and impartial consideration of all complaints and appeals received. Each submission is considered individually, in compliance with established procedures and in accordance with the recommendations of the

Committee on Publication Ethics, COPE. All decisions are made taking into account the nature of the complaint, the evidence provided and its level of complexity.

The journal ensures transparent and impartial consideration of complaints and appeals that may arise in the course of editorial activities.

  1. Submission of Complaints

The journal accepts complaints from authors, reviewers, readers, and other interested parties regarding:

  • violations of academic integrity;
  • non-compliance with editorial procedures;
  • unethical behaviour of participants in the publication process;
  • possible errors or violations in already published materials.

Enquiries, suggestions, and complaints are accepted in written form via the official editorial e-mail: [email protected].

A complaint must:

  • contain a clear, structured, and concise statement of facts;
  • outline the nature of the alleged breach of publication ethics;
  • provide sufficient information to allow for a preliminary assessment of the situation;

where available, be accompanied by supporting materials (documents, correspondence, evidence of factual circumstances, etc.).

The editorial board reserves the right to decline consideration of a complaint if it:

  • concerns matter outside the scope of the journal’s responsibility (personal disputes, internal institutional conflicts, private claims);
  • is submitted in an offensive, aggressive, threatening, or defamatory manner;
  • does not contain any information indicating a possible breach of ethical standards;
  • is intended to exert undue pressure on the editorial board, reviewers, or authors.

In such cases, an official notification is sent to the applicant indicating the reasons that make it impossible to consider the appeal by the editorial board.

Anonymous complaints may be considered if there are sufficient grounds for verification.

  1. Consideration of Complaints

All complaints are considered confidentially, objectively, and without undue delay.

The Editor-in-Chief:

  • conducts the initial assessment of the complaint;
  • involves members of the editorial board or independent experts, if necessary;
  • initiates a review in accordance with the principles of academic integrity and COPE recommendations.

During the review process, explanations may be requested from the parties concerned.

Following the consideration of a complaint, the editorial board may:

  • reject the complaint as unfounded;
  • recommend the introduction of corrections;
  • initiate additional peer review;
  • refer the case to the relevant institutions;
  • initiate the procedure for article retraction.

The complainant receives a reasoned response regarding the outcome of the consideration.

  1. Appeal of Editorial Decisions

The author has the right to appeal an editorial decision regarding the manuscript, in particular in cases of:

  • rejection of the article;
  • requirements for significant revisions;
  • disagreement with the results of the review.

The appeal is submitted in writing and must contain:

  • a clear justification of the disagreement with the decision;
  • reasoned explanations with reference to scientific data or the content of the reviews.
  1. Consideration of Appeals

Appeals are considered by the Editor-in-Chief in conjunction with members of the editorial board who were not involved in the initial decision-making process.

Additional independent reviewers may be involved if necessary.

Following the consideration of an appeal, the editorial board may:

  • leave the previous decision unchanged;
  • revise the decision;
  • send the manuscript for re-review.

The decision made following the appeal is final.

  1. Principles of Consideration

The consideration of complaints and appeals is carried out in accordance with the following principles:

  • impartiality;
  • confidentiality;
  • reasoned decision-making;
  • adherence to the principles of academic integrity;
  • transparency of procedures.

The journal guarantees that the submission of a complaint or an appeal will not adversely affect further interaction with authors or other participants in the publication process.

  1. Terms for Consideration of Submissions
  • all submissions are considered within up to 30 working days;
  • in cases requiring additional verification, consultation with external experts, or more in-depth analysis, the editorial board reserves the right to extend the review period, with appropriate notification to the applicant.