Conflict of Interest
The International Journal of Embryo Cryobiology and Reproductive Sciences is committed to maintaining transparency, fairness, and editorial independence throughout the publication process. Authors, reviewers, and editors should disclose any financial, professional, personal, or other interests that could influence the research, review, or editorial decision.
1. Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist when an individual's personal, professional, financial, or academic interests could reasonably be perceived as influencing their judgment or responsibilities.
Potential conflicts may include:
- Financial relationships
- Employment or consultancy
- Research funding
- Personal or professional relationships
- Academic competition
- Intellectual property interests
- Patents or patent applications
- Institutional affiliations
- Other interests related to the submitted research
2. Authors' Responsibilities
Authors must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest related to their manuscript.
Authors should:
- Declare relevant financial and non-financial interests.
- Disclose relationships that may influence the research or its interpretation.
- Provide accurate and complete conflict of interest information.
- Update disclosures if relevant circumstances change during the publication process.
3. Conflict of Interest Statement
If no conflict exists, authors may use a statement such as:
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
If a conflict exists, authors should provide a clear description of the relevant relationship or interest.
4. Funding Disclosure
Authors should disclose sources of financial or institutional support related to the research.
Funding information should identify the supporting organization and, where appropriate, describe the role of the funding source in the research, analysis, or preparation of the manuscript.
5. Reviewer Conflicts
Reviewers should disclose any circumstances that could affect their ability to provide an objective and independent review.
Reviewers should decline the assignment when a significant conflict could compromise their impartiality.
6. Editorial Conflicts
Editors should maintain editorial independence and disclose or manage conflicts that could influence their decisions.
Where an editor has a significant conflict with a manuscript, appropriate arrangements may be made for another qualified editor to oversee the editorial process.
7. Management of Conflicts
The disclosure of a conflict does not necessarily prevent publication or participation in peer review. The editorial team will consider the nature and significance of the disclosed interest and take appropriate measures to maintain fairness and transparency.
8. Undisclosed Conflicts
If a previously undisclosed conflict of interest is identified, the journal may request clarification or additional disclosure. Where necessary, appropriate corrective action may be taken, including publication of a correction or further editorial investigation.
9. Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions should be based primarily on the scientific quality, originality, relevance, methodology, and ethical standards of the manuscript and should not be improperly influenced by financial, personal, institutional, or commercial interests.
10. Commitment to Transparency
The International Journal of Embryo Cryobiology and Reproductive Sciences encourages complete and transparent disclosure of potential conflicts of interest to protect the integrity of the peer-review process and the reliability of the scholarly record.
