Ethical Statements

Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical practice, ensuring that published research possesses both scientific merit and societal accountability. This statement defines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher to foster fairness, transparency, and excellence in scholarly communication.

I. Author Responsibilities

1. Originality and Plagiarism

All submitted works must be original creations by the authors, previously unpublished in any medium, and free from any type of plagiarism or misappropriation of others’ work. Any use of others’ research findings must be properly attributed in strict accordance with academic standards.

2. Data Authenticity

Authors must provide truthful and accurate data and research findings. Any form of data fabrication, falsification, or selective reporting is strictly prohibited. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited for generating scientific data, images depicting experimental findings, or visual representations of raw data. AI tools may only be employed for linguistic polishing of text and aesthetic enhancement of schematic diagrams—such applications must be explicitly declared in detail at the end of the manuscript.

3. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest—including financial, personal, or institutional relationships—that could influence interpretation of the study results. Manuscripts supported by funding must provide official funding approval documents.

4. Authorship Criteria

Criteria for authorship include: (1) Substantial contributions to study conception, experimental design, or result acquisition; (2) Participation in manuscript drafting; (3) Ability to assume full responsibility for the content and conclusions presented in the manuscript; (4) AI tools cannot be listed as authors.

The first author is the primary contributor to the research outcomes; Other authors are co-contributors to the research outcomes; the corresponding author serves as either the project supervisor or principal investigator. The order of authorship may reflect the relative contribution levels of the authors.

Once submitted, changes to the authorship order are strictly prohibited.

5. Ethical Compliance

Research involving human participants or animals must adhere to ethical standards and obtain approval from an institutional review board (IRB)/ethics committee. For randomized controlled trials (RCTs), registration numbers must be provided. Authors are responsible for ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations throughout the research process.

II. Editorial Responsibilities

1. Peer Review

The journal adheres to a rigorous peer-review system and employs a double-blind peer-review process. Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two peer experts.

2. Professional Review Team

A review committee composed of experts in the field conducts rigorous and professional final evaluations for each manuscript intended for acceptance, ensuring the quality of the articles.

3. Confidentiality Principle

Editors maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information disclosed during the peer review process. No third-party disclosure occurs without author’s explicit consent.

4. Avoidance of Conflict of Interest

Editors recuse themselves from the relevant decision-making process if potential conflicts arise with a submission. 

5. Constructive Feedback

Rejected manuscripts will receive constructive revision suggestions to assist authors in enhancing their research quality.

III. Publication Responsibilities

1. Copyright

Submitters must confirm they hold full copyright over submitted materials (including images). In the event of copyright disputes arising from submissions, submitters assume exclusive liability—this journal disclaims all joint or secondary responsibility. Submitters shall also indemnify the journal against all reasonable expenses incurred due to such disputes, including but not limited to attorney fees.

The journal reserves the right to make textual modifications and abridgments to submitted manuscripts.

Prior to publication, the author must personally sign the Copyright Transfer Agreement, thereby transferring the following rights to the journal: reproduction, distribution, information network dissemination (including priority digital publishing), translation, and compilation, etc. The Editorial Office is authorized to sublicense these rights to third parties. Without the journal’s consent, no individual or entity may use the content in any form.

Once accepted, all published manuscripts may be disseminated online, or published in formats such as CD-ROM or collected editions by the journal, without requiring additional author consent or remuneration.

Upon publication, moderate remuneration (which includes compensation for other forms of publication) will be provided, and two copies of the issue will be gifted to the first author.

2. Error Correction

Errata will be issued promptly for identified errors. Serious errors or unethical conduct may result in retraction with public notification, manuscript submission bans, and other sanctions. The journal reserves the right to pursue legal action against severe instances of misconduct.

Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction strives to safeguard academic integrity, offering a fair, transparent, and efficient platform for global researchers. Through collective effort, we aim to continuously enhance our journal’s quality and impact.

Editorial Office of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction