Overview
Independent research groups sometimes arrive at similar findings simultaneously. When one group publishes first, the second group's work may be considered "scooped," making it harder to publish. In recognition of the reality of simultaneous discovery and the important role that parallel research can play in validating and substantiating findings, the journal offers a six-month protection period for concurrent or "scooped" studies.
Protection Against Scooping
The journal's scooping policy protects a primary research study from being considered scooped by closely related, parallel studies published in other journals, or from preprints that are posted, after the date of submission to the journal. Additionally, the policy will apply retroactively for up to six months prior to the date of submission to the journal (or longer, at the discretion of the journal, if the authors posted a preprint of the same version of their manuscript during that timeframe).
Assessment of Novelty
Results presented in any published or posted contemporaneous articles or preprints by other groups will not affect the editorial assessment or peer review process at the journal with respect to novelty or strength of advance.
Acknowledging Prior and Related Work
Authors are expected to cite and discuss any papers that have scooped theirs in their submission, and to place the results in context as part of the review process. The independent nature of the research can of course be highlighted. If relevant, authors can also cite and discuss relevant preprints while acknowledging the timeframe and the fact that the preprint may not yet have undergone peer review.
Contact
For questions about concurrent or parallel research, please contact the Editorial Office.
Editorial Office — SAFE Journal of One Health
Published by The SAFE Society Publishing
Email: editor@thesafesociety.com
Website: https://journal.thesafesociety.com