Publication ethics checklist as a tool to promote research integrity
Sylwia Ufnalska, Council Member, European Association of Science Editors (EASE), freelance science translator and editor, Poznań, Poland
Ana Marušić, Vice-President, EASE, Editor in Chief, Journal of Global Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
A brief publication ethics checklist, if used routinely by science journals in the submission procedure, might substantially help to prevent scientific misconduct. It would inform or remind authors about major ethical issues relevant to scientific publications. Such a checklist has been compiled as an appendix to EASE Guidelines for Authors and Translators of Scientific Articles to be Published in English, published by the European Association of Science Editors (EASE). The Guidelines are a concise and readable document, aimed to promote research integrity and effective communication in science worldwide. The document is freely available on the EASE website (/publications/author-guidelines) and its main part has already been translated into 20 languages. The Guidelines are reviewed annually (always in June), so the appendix on ethics can be modified in the next edition. We welcome your suggestions for improvement.