The Editor received an email from a reader highlighting concerns about a possible duplicate publication involving an article ("Article 1") published in their journal and a similar article published in another journal a year earlier. Immediate action was taken to address the issue by contacting the author and the editor of the other journal.
Author's Response: The author responded five days later, asserting that they did not believe the papers constituted duplicates. However, the COPE Chair, upon review, concluded that the subsequent article ("Article 1") met the definition of duplicate publication, as it replicated the database, methods, and conclusions of the earlier publication. Notably, the authors failed to reference their previous paper during submission.
COPE Advice:
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Consult with Editorial Board: It was recommended that the editor consult with members of the editorial board before reaching a final decision. While seeking input is valuable, the ultimate responsibility lies with the editor.
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Retraction Decision: Despite consultations, it was emphasized that the editor may have no alternative but to retract the paper in their journal. Duplicate publication undermines the integrity of scholarly communication and should be addressed promptly.
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Communication with Other Journal: The editor should reach out to the editor of the other journal to discuss the situation. This is important not only for ethical considerations but also to address potential copyright issues that may arise from the duplication.
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Notification to Author's Institution: It is advisable to inform the author's institution of the decision to retract the article. This ensures transparency and accountability for scholarly misconduct.
Conclusion: Handling cases of duplicate publication requires a careful and decisive approach. While seeking input from the editorial board is encouraged, the editor must prioritize maintaining the integrity of the journal. Communication with the other journal and the author's institution is vital to address copyright concerns and uphold ethical standards in academic publishing.