Article Retraction Policy

1. General provisions

1.1. This procedure sets out how the journal “Physical and Mathematical Education” corrects the scholarly record and retracts published articles.
1.2. Retraction is intended to ensure the integrity and reliability of the published record.
1.3. A review may be initiated by the author(s), the editorial office, reviewers, readers, institutions, or other authorised parties.
1.4. The journal follows relevant COPE guidance and ensures due process: objectivity, the right to respond, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and confidentiality.

2. Grounds for correction or retraction

2.1. Plagiarism or unauthorised use of content.
2.2. Major errors that invalidate results or conclusions.
2.3. Duplicate publication of substantially the same content without proper citation/permission.
2.4. Data fabrication, falsification, or other manipulation of data/results.
2.5. Undisclosed conflicts of interest that may have affected interpretation.
2.6. Serious breaches of research ethics.
2.7. Compromised peer review or other issues that undermine the integrity of the editorial process.

Note: Where appropriate, the journal may issue a Correction/Erratum or an Expression of Concern instead of retraction.

3. Submitting a report/request

3.1. Requests should be sent to the journal’s official email fmo-journal@fizmatsspu.sumy.ua and include:

  • full bibliographic details and a link to the article;
  • a description of the concern;
  • supporting evidence where available.

3.2. The editorial office registers the request and confirms receipt.

4. Initial assessment

4.1. Within 5 business days, the Editor-in-Chief (or an authorised editor) performs an initial assessment to determine whether a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction review is warranted.
4.2. Additional information may be requested from the reporting party or the author(s).

5. Investigation and review

5.1. A panel of three members (editors and/or external experts) with no conflict of interest is appointed. Individuals directly involved in the case cannot serve on the panel.
5.2. The panel reviews all relevant materials and may consult independent experts.
5.3. The author(s) are given an opportunity to respond (typically within 10 business days).
5.4. The review is completed within 30 calendar days from registration. For complex cases, the period may be extended by up to 15 calendar days, with notification to the parties.

6. Decision

6.1. The panel may decide to:

  • dismiss the request as unfounded;
  • publish a Correction/Erratum;
  • publish an Expression of Concern;
  • recommend retraction of the article.

6.2. Decisions are made by majority vote and documented in writing.

7. Publication of a correction/notice/retraction

7.1. Retracted articles are not removed from the journal archive; instead, the article is clearly labelled “Retracted” in the metadata and on the article page.
7.2. A Retraction Notice is published and includes:

  • the title “Retraction Notice”;
  • full bibliographic details and a link to the original article;
  • a clear summary of the reason(s) (without disclosing personal or confidential information);
  • the effective date of the decision;
  • who initiated the process (where possible: author(s)/editorial office/third party).

7.3. If a correction or an expression of concern is issued, the journal publishes the corresponding notice linked to the original article.

8. Notifications and indexing

8.1. The author(s) are informed of the decision.
8.2. Where possible, the journal notifies relevant platforms, catalogues, and indexing services to ensure the publication status is updated.
8.3. Retraction/correction information may also be announced in the next journal issue and/or in the journal news section.

9. Author rights and appeal

9.1. Author(s) have the right to:

  • receive notification of the decision and its general grounds;
  • submit an appeal;
  • publish a comment/response with editorial approval, subject to ethical standards.

9.2. Appeals must be submitted within 14 calendar days to the journal’s official email.
9.3. The appeal is reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief with input from an editor/editorial board member who did not participate in the original review, within 10 business days.
9.4. Following the appeal, the decision may be upheld or a re-review may be initiated (including an additional independent expert). The appeal decision is final.