Ethical Oversight
SEM acknowledges its role as guardian of ethical standards in academic publishing. Ethical oversight is not limited to preventing plagiarism or misconduct; it encompasses a broader responsibility to ensure that published research respects the dignity of participants, the integrity of data, and the trust of readers.
All submissions must include statements regarding ethical approval where human subjects or sensitive data are involved. Authors are required to indicate approval from an institutional review board (IRB) or equivalent ethics committee and to describe how informed consent was obtained. In fields such as sociology, political science, or economics, where SEM is often applied to large surveys or secondary datasets, authors must also address privacy protections and compliance with data regulations.
The publisher also monitors compliance with emerging policies on the use of artificial intelligence tools. Authors must disclose when AI has been used for language editing, coding support, or other limited purposes, and they remain fully responsible for verifying all outputs. Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI, such as generating original content or fabricating references, is treated as misconduct and investigated in accordance with COPE procedures.
Allegations of misconduct, whether raised by reviewers, readers, or whistleblowers, are investigated systematically and fairly. Possible outcomes include corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions, depending on the severity of the issue. By maintaining a strong framework for ethical oversight, SEM ensures that its content reflects not only technical rigor but also professional responsibility.