Publication Ethics

Integrity is the first condition of publication.

These standards apply to every author, reviewer and editor who participates in the Time Travels record. Breaches are treated seriously and may result in rejection, retraction or removal of access.

Last updated · August 2026

01

Authorship

Authorship is reserved for those who made a substantive intellectual contribution to the work and who can take public responsibility for it.

  • All listed authors must have approved the submitted version.
  • Ghost authorship, gift authorship and honorary authorship are prohibited.
  • Contributors who do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged.
02

Originality and plagiarism

Manuscripts must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. Verbatim reuse of text, figures or data without quotation and attribution constitutes plagiarism. Self-plagiarism and redundant publication are equally unacceptable.

03

Data integrity

  • Data must not be fabricated, selectively omitted or manipulated.
  • Images and figures may be adjusted only in ways that do not alter their meaning.
  • Authors should be able to supply underlying data on reasonable editorial request.
04

Conflicts of interest

Authors must disclose financial, institutional, personal or ideological interests that could be perceived to influence the work. Reviewers and editors must recuse themselves where a conflict exists. Editors may not act on their own submissions or certificates.

05

Human and animal research

Research involving human participants must state the approving ethics body and confirm informed consent. Research involving animals must confirm compliance with applicable welfare regulations. Manuscripts lacking these statements will not be approved.

06

Use of artificial intelligence

Generative tools may assist with language and formatting, but cannot be listed as an author. Any substantive use in analysis, data generation or drafting must be disclosed in the methodology. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy of all content.

07

Reporting misconduct

Concerns may be raised confidentially with the editorial office at editors@timetravelshub.org. Allegations are assessed by a senior editor who was not involved in the original decision. Outcomes may include correction, retraction, notification of the author's institution, or withdrawal of publishing access.