Ethics Policy

The Scientific Bulletin of Carol I National Defence University is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing high-quality, original, and impactful research in the fields of security and defence. By fostering scholarly discussions and generating fresh perspectives, the journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity and ethical conduct.

Key Principles of Research Ethics

  1. Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure that their submissions are original and properly cite all sources, including text, data, and ideas. All submitted manuscripts will be screened for plagiarism using specialized software.

  1. Authorship

All contributors must meet authorship criteria and be appropriately credited. Authors must confirm that their work has not been submitted or published elsewhere. Ghostwriting and honorary authorship are unethical and unacceptable.

Authorship Criteria

To qualify as an author, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Substantial Contributions: The individual must have made significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research study.
  • Drafting or Revising the Work: The individual must have participated in drafting or critically revising the manuscript for intellectual content.
  • Final Approval: The individual must have approved the final version of the manuscript before submission.
  • Accountability: The individual must agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring its accuracy and integrity.

Contributors who do not meet these criteria but have provided assistance (e.g., data collection, administrative support) should be acknowledged in the acknowledgments section.

  1. Conflict of Interest

Authors are required to disclose any financial, institutional, or other conflicts of interest that might influence their research outcomes or interpretations. Reviewers and editors must also declare any conflicts of interest that could affect their impartiality.

  1. Ethical Considerations in Research Involving Human Participants

Researchers conducting studies involving human participants must obtain informed consent. Participants must be clearly informed about:

  • The purpose of the research;
  • How the data will be collected, used, and published;
  • Any potential risks or benefits associated with participation;
  • Their right to withdraw at any time without penalty;
  • Measures taken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity.

Authors must demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility in safeguarding the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants.

  1. Consent for Publication

If the research includes identifiable data or contributions, authors must obtain explicit consent for publication from the individuals involved. Identifiable information such as names, images, or detailed descriptions must be handled with care to ensure privacy and dignity.

  1. AI and Automated Tools in Research and Publication
  • Authors must disclose any use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research, writing, or data analysis. AI-generated text, images, or data must be explicitly identified, and responsibility for the content remains with the human author(s).
  • AI cannot be credited as an author; authors must ensure that AI tools are used ethically, transparently, and without misleading or deceptive practices.
  • The use of AI in peer review is prohibited.
  1. Corrections and Retractions

Authors must promptly notify the editorial team of any significant errors or inaccuracies discovered in their published work. The journal reserves the right to issue corrections or retractions as necessary.

  1. Submission Process

All articles must be submitted through the online platform. Simultaneous submissions to multiple publications are prohibited. Authors must adhere to formatting and ethical guidelines provided by the journal.

  1. Editorial and Peer Review Integrity

The editorial team ensures a double-blind peer-review process to maintain objectivity and confidentiality. Editors are responsible for preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring fair and unbiased assessments. Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts objectively and confidentially, report ethical concerns (e.g., plagiarism), and notify the editorial team if unable to complete a review promptly.

  1. Adherence to the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity

The Scientific Bulletin of Carol I National Defence University adheres to the principles outlined in the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance in all stages of research and publication.