Allegations of research errors and fraud
How it works
To find out if a case, or suspected case of ethics abuse, falls within the category of this tree, please consult the definitions provided under ‘What identifies a case in this area?’ If it does, the recommended action of this tree can be followed. This tree furthermore provides:
- Case studies.
- References to the relevant form letters (examples of appropriate letters for various situations).
- Flow charts from COPE, here named ‘COPE charts’. These are available for a second opinion. This is often the time for the editor to discuss the case with his/her publishing contact within Elsevier and agree what action, if any, needs to be taken.
- References to relevant Elsevier policies/links.
What identifies a case in this area? 
Recommended action
Case studies
1: Allegations of scientific fraud and unethical conduct of experiments with attempts to silence the whistleblower
2: Surprising results and a new area of research for a senior author
Suspected fabricated data in a submitted manuscript
Suspected fabricated data in a published article
Relevant Elsevier policies/links
Figure manipulation
Duties of authors
Elsevier policy on article withdrawal
