Medicine, Science and Education corrects the published scientific record when errors or violations are identified. Substantiated concerns are considered regardless of the age of the publication. Significant changes to text, data, authorship, or declarations are not made without disclosure.
1. Assessment of Reports
Reports of errors or suspected misconduct should be sent to mse.journal@ksph.kz.
An individual without a conflict of interest is assigned to the assessment. The editorial team preserves original materials, versions, and evidence, informs authors of the material concerns, and provides a reasonable opportunity to respond, normally 14 calendar days.
Underlying data and explanations may be requested. Research integrity matters may be referred to the institution where the work was conducted or another competent body. The editorial team is responsible for correcting the scientific record and does not replace a disciplinary investigation.
Public statements remain neutral while the assessment is ongoing and do not prejudge responsibility.
2. Corrections
A correction is published when an error can be remedied without rendering the article’s principal findings unreliable.
The notice describes the change, its effect on the findings, and who identified the error. Post-publication authorship changes are also documented in a separate notice.
Editorial corrections are made free of charge and are not delayed by financial disputes.
3. Expressions of Concern
An expression of concern is published when serious but unresolved doubts exist about the reliability or ethical conduct of the work and an investigation is ongoing or a competent investigation is unavailable.
The notice does not replace a final decision and is updated once sufficient information becomes available.
4. Retractions
An article may be retracted where:
- its principal conclusions are unreliable because of error or misconduct;
- substantial plagiarism is identified;
- duplicate publication is established;
- the research was conducted unethically;
- materials were used unlawfully;
- the peer-review process was compromised to an extent that undermines confidence in the publication.
The purpose of retraction is to protect the reliability of the scientific record. A decision may be made without the authors’ agreement, with their position disclosed.
Retracted articles normally remain in the archive and are clearly marked in all formats.
5. Publication of Notices
A correction, expression of concern, or retraction notice:
- is openly accessible;
- has its own bibliographic information and DOI;
- is directly linked to the original article;
- identifies the date, grounds, and initiator of the decision.
The information is communicated to the DOI registration agency, repositories, and relevant indexing services.
6. Exceptional Removal of Content
Complete removal of an article’s text is permitted only in exceptional, justified circumstances, such as a binding legal requirement, a serious breach of confidentiality, or an immediate threat to health.
Where possible, the metadata and a notice explaining the access restriction are retained. An ordinary error, criticism, or an author’s wish not to retain an article does not justify undisclosed removal.
Before first publication, authors may withdraw a manuscript from consideration through an agreed written request. After the first publication of the Version of Record, removal solely at an author’s request is not available. Such cases are addressed through correction, retraction, or exceptional removal procedures.
7. Scholarly Discussion
The journal welcomes scientific criticism and responses to published articles. Decisions to publish comments are based on their supporting evidence, relevance, and respectful presentation, rather than convenience for the editorial team or authors.
Where necessary, an apology and a statement correcting or refuting inaccurate information are published in accordance with the law and the circumstances of the case.