Retraction & Corrections

The International Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Fertility Sciences is committed to maintaining an accurate, transparent, and trustworthy scholarly record. When significant errors, ethical concerns, or research integrity issues are identified before or after publication, appropriate corrective action may be taken.

1. Corrections

Corrections may be considered when an article contains an error that affects the accuracy or clarity of the published record but does not invalidate the overall research.

Examples may include:

  • Incorrect author information.
  • Minor factual or typographical errors.
  • Incorrect affiliations.
  • Errors in tables or figures.
  • Incorrect references.
  • Other significant publishing or content errors.

2. Correction Process

When a published error is identified, the journal may:

  1. Assess the reported concern.
  2. Contact the authors where appropriate.
  3. Review the affected article and supporting information.
  4. Determine whether a correction is required.
  5. Publish an appropriate correction notice when necessary.
  6. Maintain a clear connection between the correction and the original article.

3. Retraction

Retraction may be considered when an article is found to contain serious problems that substantially affect the reliability, integrity, or validity of the published work.

Possible reasons may include:

  • Fabrication of research data.
  • Falsification or manipulation of results.
  • Serious plagiarism.
  • Duplicate or redundant publication.
  • Major ethical violations.
  • Invalid or unreliable research findings.
  • Serious undisclosed conflicts of interest.
  • Significant errors that invalidate the conclusions.
  • Other serious breaches of publication or research ethics.

4. Retraction Investigation

When a serious concern is raised, the journal may conduct an appropriate investigation.

The investigation may involve:

  • Reviewing the published article.
  • Examining supporting information.
  • Requesting clarification from the authors.
  • Consulting editors or appropriate experts.
  • Considering relevant ethical or institutional information.

The journal aims to handle concerns fairly and objectively.

5. Retraction Notice

When an article is retracted, an appropriate notice may be published explaining the reason for the retraction.

The notice should clearly identify the affected article and provide sufficient information about the reason for the action.

6. Maintaining the Article Record

A retracted article should remain identifiable as part of the journal's publication record where appropriate.

The article should not be presented as valid research after retraction. A clear retraction notice or other appropriate indication should be associated with the article record.

The journal's official website maintains an online archive of published material, including Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026).

7. Author-Initiated Retraction

Authors who identify a serious problem with their published work should promptly notify the journal.

The journal may consider an author-requested retraction when the evidence indicates that the published article should no longer be considered part of the reliable scholarly record.

8. Corrections After Publication

Authors should notify the journal as soon as possible if they discover an important error in their published article.

Depending on the nature of the error, the journal may issue:

  • A correction.
  • A clarification.
  • An expression of concern.
  • A retraction.

The appropriate action will depend on the seriousness and effect of the identified issue.

9. Expressions of Concern

If there is a significant unresolved concern about the reliability or integrity of a published article, the journal may consider issuing an Expression of Concern while the matter is being investigated.

This allows readers to be made aware of an ongoing concern without prematurely reaching a final conclusion.

10. Research and Publication Misconduct

Concerns may involve:

  • Plagiarism.
  • Fabrication.
  • Falsification.
  • Manipulation of images or data.
  • Duplicate publication.
  • Improper authorship.
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.
  • Ethical approval concerns.
  • Misrepresentation of research findings.

Appropriate action will depend on the nature and evidence associated with the concern.