Research Ethics Committee Regulations
Purpose and Scope
This regulation provides for the establishment and operation of a Research Ethics Committee to oversee compliance with research ethics by authors and related persons publishing in Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology (JKWST).
Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Ethics Committee is responsible for addressing, reviewing, and enforcing matters related to the adherence to research ethics in manuscripts submitted to or published in JKWST.
Composition and Operation
1. The Committee shall consist of at least 10 members. The Chairperson shall be the Executive Vice President of the Korean Society of Wood Science and Technology. The committee members shall include the Editor-in-Chief, the General Affair Director, the Finance Director, and the Planning Director. The other members are appointed by the Chairperson upon the recommendation of the Editorial Board.
2. The Committee shall convene at the call of the Chair when allegations are raised by reviewers, editorial board members, or readers. A quorum shall be met with the attendance of two-thirds of all members, and decisions shall require the approval of two-thirds of those present.
3. Any member who has a conflict of interest with respect to the case under review shall be excluded from the deliberation and decision-making process. The Chair shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists, based on the opinions of the Committee members.
Authority and Enforcement
1. The Committee has the authority to conduct thorough investigations into alleged violations of the research ethics policy, including interviews with whistleblowers, respondents, witnesses, and references, and the review of relevant evidence.
2. If a violation is confirmed, the Chair shall determine appropriate disciplinary actions.
Violations and Reporting
1. Authors, reviewers, editors, and readers who become aware of a violation of the research ethics policy should make efforts to address the issue by reminding the relevant party to comply with the ethical guidelines.
2. If the issue is not resolved or a clear violation is identified, it may be reported to the Research Ethics Committee.
3. The Committee shall not disclose the identity of the whistleblower to any outside party.
Investigation and Deliberation
1. The Committee shall begin its investigation within 30 days of receiving a report and, in principle, reach a decision within 60 days. If unavoidable circumstances arise, the Chair may approve an extension of the period.
2. If deemed necessary, the Chair may commission external experts to provide consultation or review.
3. Individuals accused of ethical violations must cooperate with the Committee's investigation. Failure to do so may itself be considered a violation and grounds for disciplinary action.
Opportunity to Respond and Confidentiality
1. Individuals accused of violating the ethics policy shall be guaranteed a fair opportunity to explain or defend their actions.
2. The identity of the respondent shall not be disclosed externally until a final decision on disciplinary action has been made.
Disciplinary Actions and Disclosure
1. If a violation is confirmed, the Committee may impose one or more of the sanctions outlined in 2, 3, and 4, based on the severity of the offense.
2. Sanctions may include a warning, suspension of the right to submit manuscripts, or expulsion.
3. The article in question may be retracted, and its retraction shall be indicated on the journal's website.
4. The disciplinary decision may be communicated to relevant institutions or individuals, subject to Committee approval.
5. If a reviewer engages in unethical behavior, the Committee may disqualify them from future review assignments.
Supplementary Provisions
1. Matters not specified in these regulations shall be governed by relevant laws and established academic practices.
2. If a violation is confirmed, all costs associated with submission and review shall not be refunded.
Implementation
These regulations shall take effect on December 16, 2022.