Editorial Policies

Springer and Discover journals will be guided by COPE guidelines, however the journals will continue to make independent decisions based on our existing policies and principles.

Communicate with Respect

Communicate with Respect

Author Responsibilities and Ethics

Authorship Principles
Competing Interests
Ethical Responsibilities of Authors
Citations
Confidentiality
Preprint Sharing
Corrections, Retractions and Matters Arising
Removal of Published Content
Appeals and Complaints
Predatory Journals and References

Competing Interests

Competing Interests Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI Authorship
Generative AI Images
AI Use by Peer Reviewers

Ethics and Biosecurity

Informed Consent
Sex and Gender in Research (SAGER Guidelines)
Research Involving Human Participants, their Data or Biological Material
Research Involving Human Embryos, Gametes, and Stem Cells
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Standards for Research
Research Involving Animals, their Data or Biological Material
Utilization of Plants, Algae, Fungi
Research Involving Palaeontological and Geological Material
Dual Use of Research Content

Data Availability and Standards of Reporting

Data Availability Statements
Standards of Reporting

Peer-Review Policy

Policy
Process and Guidance for Peer Reviewers

Collections and Special Issues

Collections and Special Issues

Your ORCID iD – As unique as you

This persistent ID distinguishes you from every other researcher. Automated linkages between you and your publications or reviews ensure that your work is recognized. Your achievements will never be confused with a colleague’s work.