Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are based solely on scientific merit, methodological rigor, and relevance to drug resistance research. Membership status, institutional affiliation, or funding sources do not influence acceptance decisions.

Peer Review Principles

We use expert peer review to evaluate originality, clinical relevance, and data integrity. Reviewers are selected for subject expertise and are expected to provide constructive, evidence-based feedback.

Research Ethics

Studies involving human participants or animals must include ethics approvals and informed consent where applicable. Authors should follow relevant guidelines for clinical trials and observational research. Funding and conflicts of interest must be disclosed transparently.

Data Integrity and Availability

All manuscripts must include a data availability statement. Authors are responsible for accurate data representation and for providing access to supporting datasets when required. Image manipulation, data fabrication, or undisclosed exclusions are not permitted.

Corrections, Retractions, and Appeals

If errors or integrity issues are identified after publication, the journal may issue corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions. Authors may appeal decisions with a clear scientific rationale and supporting evidence. Appeals are reviewed independently to ensure fairness.

Authorship and Contributions

All listed authors must meet authorship criteria and approve the final manuscript. Requests to add or remove authors after submission require written consent from all authors and a clear explanation of the change.

Use of Assistance Tools

Language editing or assistance tools may be used for clarity, but they must not generate data or alter scientific conclusions. Authors remain responsible for accuracy, transparency, and ethical compliance.

Corrections Transparency

Any post-publication updates are linked to the original article so readers can trace changes and assess their impact on the scientific record.

Image and Figure Integrity

Image adjustments must be applied uniformly and must not alter the interpretation of results. Authors should retain original files and be prepared to provide them if questions arise during review or after publication.

Appeals Process

Authors may appeal decisions with a clear scientific rationale. Appeals are reviewed independently to ensure fairness and to protect the integrity of the editorial process.

Misconduct Handling

Allegations of data fabrication, falsification, or unethical conduct are investigated according to established publishing standards. The journal may contact institutions or request additional documentation when concerns are raised.

Data Sharing Compliance

Editors verify that data availability statements are present and that any access restrictions are explained. Transparent data access supports reproducibility and trust in AMR findings.

Conflict of Interest Management

Editors and reviewers must disclose financial or personal relationships that could influence judgment. When conflicts are identified, manuscripts are reassigned to maintain impartiality. Authors must disclose funding sources and relationships that could be perceived as influencing results.

Policy Governance and Updates

Editorial policies are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in AMR reporting standards, clinical trial requirements, and data sharing expectations. Updates are communicated to authors and reviewers to maintain consistent and transparent decision making.

If a policy change affects a manuscript in review, editors notify authors and provide clear guidance on required adjustments to ensure compliance.

Policy changes are documented with effective dates and are applied prospectively to avoid confusion for authors. When needed, editors consult independent advisors for complex ethical cases. Routine audits of decision quality and timeliness help the journal identify training needs and improve the author experience.

Documented guidance supports consistent handling of corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern across all sections of the journal.

Policy summaries are available for readers and institutional partners.