Corrections Retractions

The published version of an article is the version of record. Articles are not silently edited after publication. Where a change is needed, it is made through a formal, citable notice that is linked to the original article in both directions.

Notice type When it is used What happens
Correction An error that affects the record but not the conclusions — a mislabelled figure, an incorrect value, a missing acknowledgement. A correction notice with its own DOI is published and linked from the article page. The article remains available.
Retraction The findings are unreliable, whether through honest error or misconduct; or the work is substantially duplicated or plagiarised. A retraction notice with its own DOI is published, the article page is marked RETRACTED, and the PDF is watermarked. The article is not removed — the record must remain visible.
Expression of concern A credible concern exists but the investigation is unresolved or inconclusive. A notice is published and linked, and is replaced by a correction or retraction once the matter is settled.
Article removal Only where content is defamatory, infringes a legal right, or presents a serious risk. Metadata and title remain; the full text is replaced with a statement of the reason. This is exceptional.

Requests for a correction should be sent to ethics@[DOMAIN] with the article DOI and a clear description of the issue. Retraction decisions are taken by the editors in accordance with COPE retraction guidelines, and the authors are informed before publication of the notice. All notices are deposited with Crossref so that the correction propagates to indexing services and reference managers.