Policies & standards

Defines the remit of Editors-in-Chief and boards, their relationship with the University and the publisher, and how strategic oversight is exercised without interfering with individual decisions.

Clarifies that decisions are based on scientific merit, ethical soundness and relevance, not on commercial, political or institutional pressure.

By default, IUMS journals use double-anonymous peer review: authors and reviewers do not know each other’s identities, unless a journal clearly states an alternative model.

Sets out how authors can raise well-reasoned appeals or ask for clarification when they believe a decision is not consistent with journal policy or the evidence provided.

Reviewers are asked to provide balanced, evidence-based comments focused on scientific rigour, ethics and clarity of reporting, while treating all materials as strictly confidential.

IUMS journals use authorship criteria inspired by ICMJE: substantial contribution, drafting or critical revision, final approval, and shared accountability for the work.

The corresponding author ensures all co-authors meet criteria, approve the manuscript, and are aware of submissions, revisions and communications with the journal.

AI systems cannot meet authorship criteria, cannot take responsibility for content, and must not be listed as authors or co-authors.

Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts or non-public data to public AI tools; any institutionally approved tools must be used in ways that preserve confidentiality and maintain human accountability.

Provides shared expectations for article types, reporting standards, data statements and ethical disclosures applicable to all IUMS journals.

Requires appropriate ethics committee approval or waiver for human and animal research, transparent reporting of approval details, and adherence to national regulations and international frameworks.

Requires prospective registration of interventional trials in recognised registries, clear reporting of identifiers in submissions, and timely reporting of results regardless of study outcome.

Explains consent expectations for case reports, images, videos and qualitative quotes, including situations where anonymisation is insufficient.

Prohibits inappropriate image manipulation that alters or selectively enhances data, and requires authors to retain original, unprocessed image files that can be provided on request.

Explains how concerns can be raised, what information should be provided, how triage is carried out, and when institutions or funders may be contacted.

Distinguishes between minor corrections, major corrections, expressions of concern and retractions, and explains how notices are linked to the original articles.

Describes the process for requesting name changes on published articles, the documentation (if any) that may be required, and how we minimise unnecessary disclosure to reviewers and readers.

Outlines expectations for accessible document formats, use of alternative text for key images, readable layouts and inclusive language across the IUMS journals portfolio.

Explains when authors retain copyright, which licences are used for open access publications, and how subscription content may be shared or reused.

Sets expectations for data availability statements, use of trusted repositories, and protection of participants’ privacy when sharing sensitive data or code.

Clarifies which manuscript versions can be posted on preprint servers or institutional repositories, how to cite preprints, and what happens after an article is accepted and formally published.

Indicates where journal-specific APC information is displayed, how waiver requests are handled, and confirms that peer review and editorial decisions are not influenced by payment status.

Summarises permitted ILL practices, outlines conditions for TDM on open access and subscription content, and explains how to request clarification or additional permissions where needed.

Describes how articles are preserved through publisher systems and third-party archiving services, and what happens if a journal changes platform or ceases publication.

Summarises how we support journals in meeting indexer criteria and ensuring accurate metadata and stable identifiers for discovery and citation.