help What is Plagiarism
Plagiarism involves the reuse of another author's text, data, figures, or ideas without explicit citation, presenting it as original work. We recognize and evaluate several forms of plagiarism:
Direct Plagiarism
Word-for-word copying of text blocks from existing papers without quotation marks or reference tags.
Self-Plagiarism (Text Recycling)
Reusing significant text segments from your own previously published papers without citation.
Mosaic (Patchwork) Plagiarism
Splicing sentences from different sources together, modifying synonyms but maintaining original sentence structures.
Source-Based Plagiarism
Citing incorrect references, fabricating citation tags, or neglecting to cite secondary sources.
Data Plagiarism
Copying calculations, statistical values, or raw database structures from other research without authorization.
Image Plagiarism
Reusing charts, micrographs, or diagrams from outside work without citation or copyright clearance.
verified Originality Standards
Researchium enforces strict manuscript originality rules. Submitted manuscripts must be original work, with proper citations, proper acknowledgements, and genuine empirical findings.
Commitment to Originality
• Original Content: The manuscript must represent original research not published elsewhere.
• Attribution: All shared text blocks, charts, and equations must have clear citation tags pointing to their original sources.
• Verification: All data figures must represent genuine empirical outcomes; fabrication is a serious ethical violation.
warning Types of Misconduct
We active monitor submissions for the following types of academic misconduct:
Copying Text
Reproducing paragraphs block-by-block without citation or proper paraphrasing.
Copying Images
Reusing photographs, drawings, or schematics from other authors without copyright clearance.
Copying Tables
Extracting data tables from other publications without permission or proper citation.
Data Fabrication
Inventing data, experimental readings, or calculations that were not actually recorded.
Data Falsification
Manipulating real research datasets, omitting negative findings, or modifying calculations to match hypotheses.
Duplicate Publication
Publishing the same study or significant portions of it in multiple journals.
search Plagiarism Screening Process
Researchium journals check all submissions using similarity screening tools to verify originality:
Submission Received
Manuscript files and metadata are registered in our database.
Technical Check
Managing editors check submission structures, files completeness, and author clearances.
Similarity Screening
The manuscript is screened using similarity checks (primarily iThenticate). Reports are generated to highlight overlapping segments.
Editorial Review
If the report highlights similarity indices over 15%, editors review the overlapping segments to identify potential plagiarism.
Author Clarification
If minor issues are identified, the editor contacts the author to request citations or rewrites.
Decision
Unresolved or serious similarity results cause desk-rejection. Major violations are reported to institutional boards.
copy_all Duplicate Submission Policy
Researchium does not allow duplicate submissions. Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously is an ethical violation. Manuscripts under evaluation must not be shared or evaluated elsewhere.
history Self-Plagiarism Policy
Self-plagiarism (text recycling) involves reusing substantial text segments from your own previously published papers without citation. We evaluate text recycling carefully:
Acceptable
Brief descriptions of experimental procedures or equipment in the methods section, accompanied by proper citations of your previous papers.
Unacceptable
Reusing tables, dataset figures, or significant results and discussion sections from your previously published work.
image Image & Figure Integrity
Images, microscopy graphics, charts, and diagrams must represent genuine research outcomes. We check figures for:
• Manipulated Figures: Splicing data elements from different microscopy views or gel lanes together is prohibited.
• Altered Images: Adjusting image parameters (brightness, contrast) is only permitted if applied uniformly across the entire image and does not obscure data.
• --- Uncredited Graphics ---
Using third-party graphics, cliparts, or diagrams without explicit permission and attribution is prohibited.
gavel Penalties & Consequences
Researchium enforces appropriate penalties based on the severity of identified plagiarism or misconduct:
Minor Issue (e.g., poor citing)
Action: Correction
The editor contacts the authors to request that missing citations or quotation marks be added.
Moderate Issue (e.g., self-plagiarism)
Action: Revision Required
The manuscript is sent back to the authors to request significant rewrites and proper referencing.
Major Violation (e.g., copying sections)
Action: Rejection
The manuscript is desk-rejected. The authors receive an explanation and the similarity report.
Serious Misconduct (e.g., fabrication)
Action: Retraction / Ban
If plagiarism is detected after publication, the article is retracted. The authors are banned from submitting for 2 years.
menu_book Editorial Responsibilities
Editors are responsible for checking manuscript originality and investigating suspected misconduct following COPE workflows. They screen submissions using similarity check tools, request clarifications, and resolve issues objectively based on scientific merit.
campaign Institutional Notification
In cases of severe research misconduct, data fabrication, or uncooperative responses, Researchium reserves the right to notify the authors' institutional review boards, university ethics committees, or funding bodies.
help_center Frequently Asked Questions
Browse frequently asked questions regarding manuscript screening, similarity indices, self-plagiarism, and duplicate submissions.
What similarity index does Researchium enforce?
Researchium journals enforce an overall similarity index of less than 15%. Submissions exceeding this limit or containing block-by-block text copies without citations are desk-rejected.
What plagiarism detection software is used?
Every submission is checked using similarity scan engines (primarily iThenticate) against a database of millions of academic papers, books, and web sources.
How is self-plagiarism handled?
Self-plagiarism involves reproducing large portions of your own previously published papers without citation. Re-using empirical methods sections is allowed with citations, but repeating discussion points or primary claims is unacceptable.
Can I quote from my own previous work?
Yes. However, you must cite the previous work clearly in the text. Reusing large blocks of text from previous papers is prohibited.
What is mosaic plagiarism?
Mosaic plagiarism involves copying sentences from different sources, replacing synonyms but keeping the original sentence structure without citation.
What happens if plagiarism is detected after publication?
If plagiarism is confirmed after publication, the article is retracted. We publish a retraction notice and label the article PDF as retracted.
How is duplicate submission defined?
Duplicate submission involves submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals at the same time. This is an ethical violation.
Can I submit a paper that was published as a conference abstract?
Yes. Publishing a brief abstract in conference proceedings does not prevent submission, provided the manuscript is expanded and cites the conference abstract.
How is image plagiarism checked?
Editors check figures and diagrams using search tools to identify reuse. Reusing images without permission and citation is prohibited.
What is data fabrication?
Data fabrication involves inventing datasets, readings, or experimental outcomes that were not recorded. This is a severe ethical violation.
What is data falsification?
Data falsification involves manipulating research data, omitting negative results, or modifying values to match hypotheses. This is a severe ethical violation.
Will Researchium notify my institution if plagiarism is found?
In cases of severe plagiarism, data fabrication, or uncooperative responses, Researchium reserves the right to notify institutional review boards or university ethics committees.
Can I reuse figures from my own previously published work?
Only if you hold the copyright or obtain permission from the original publisher. You must cite the original source in the figure caption.
What should I do if I suspect plagiarism in a published article?
Contact the editorial office in writing, providing details of the article and evidence of plagiarism. The editorial board will investigate following COPE guidelines.
How do editors investigate suspected plagiarism?
Editors generate similarity reports, evaluate overlapping text, and request explanations from authors. Cases may be escalated to the advisory committee.
Are translation submissions checked for plagiarism?
Yes. Translating a previously published article and submitting it as original research without disclosure and citation is a form of plagiarism.
What is ghost authorship?
Ghost authorship involves omitting researchers who made significant contributions to the study from the author list. This is prohibited.
What is guest authorship?
Guest authorship involves including individuals who did not contribute significantly to the study on the author list. This is prohibited.
Can I submit research published on preprint servers?
Yes. Sharing manuscripts on preprint servers (e.g. arXiv, bioRxiv) does not prevent submission, provided the preprint is disclosed during submission.
How do you check image manipulation?
Editors examine figures and diagrams for signs of adjustments (e.g., changes in contrast, background irregularities, spliced gel lanes). Manipulations that obscure data are prohibited.
Protecting Research Integrity
Researchium is committed to publishing original, ethical and trustworthy research.