Corrections, Retractions and Post-Publication Updates Policy

Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Updates Policy

1. Purpose and guiding principles

Mos Historicus: Critical Review of European History is committed to preserving the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of the scholarly historical record it publishes. The journal recognizes that historical research is grounded in the interpretation of primary and secondary sources, the critical evaluation of historical evidence, and engagement with an evolving historiographical discourse. Within this framework, the present policy sets out the procedures by which the journal may issue "Corrections", "Addenda", "Expressions of Concern", "Retractions", or "Removals" in relation to material that has already been published.

This policy is governed by the principles of transparency, proportionality, traceability of changes, and due process. Any post-publication intervention aims solely to protect the reliability of the academic record. It is not intended as a punitive measure against authors, nor as a means of limiting legitimate historiographical disagreement.

2. Particularities of historical scholarship

The journal acknowledges that historical scholarship relies on interpretive analysis of sources and that research findings may vary depending on the methods and analytical tools employed. Errors that may arise typically relate to the attribution, documentation, or interpretation of archival material; the transcription or translation of sources; the dating of events; or engagement with existing historiography. Accordingly, factual inaccuracies or methodological misapplications are distinguished from critical reassessments of dominant historiographical approaches, which are integral to historical inquiry.

3. Types of post-publication interventions

3.1 Correction

A “Correction” is issued when inaccuracies are identified in a published article that do not compromise its central historical argument or the validity of its conclusions. Such inaccuracies may include, by way of example, incorrect archival references, erroneous dates or place names, mistakes in the names of historical actors, or inaccurate transcriptions or translations of sources.

3.2 Corrigendum and Erratum

Where inaccuracies originate with the authors, the “Correction” is published as a “Corrigendum”, following consultation between the authors and the Editorial Committee. Where inaccuracies result from the journal’s editorial or production processes, the “Correction” is published as an “Erratum”. In both cases, the published notice and any updated file clearly identify the original content and specify the exact amendments made.

3.3 Change of author name

Authors may request that the name displayed on their published article in Mos Historicus be changed without being required to disclose the reasons for this request. Such requests will be considered only when submitted directly by the author(s) of the article. The journal will update the author’s name in the published article—discreetly, unless the author requests otherwise—and will also update the associated metadata communicated to indexing and bibliographic services. The article’s Digital Object Identifier (DOI) remains unchanged.

The journal cannot guarantee the speed with which third-party databases implement such updates and bear any responsibility for any delays. References that have already been made under the previous name cannot be retroactively altered.

3.4 Addendum

An “Addendum” is issued when it is deemed appropriate to provide additional information that strengthens the documentation of the article or clarifies aspects of its analysis. This may include, among other things, newly identified archival evidence, further methodological clarification, or references to relevant secondary literature that became available after publication.

3.5 Expression of Concern

An “Expression of Concern” is published when there are substantiated reasons to suspect that an article may contain serious problems, but the investigation has not yet been completed or depends on evidence that is not immediately available. Such cases may involve doubts regarding the existence or authenticity of cited sources, serious indications of plagiarism, or major concerns about the attribution or use of sources. An “Expression of Concern” alerts the scholarly community without prejudging the outcome of the investigation.

3.6 Retraction

A “Retraction” is issued when a published work can no longer be considered reliable. This may occur, for example, where it is demonstrated that the article relies on non-existent or fabricated sources; where extensive plagiarism or undisclosed use of third-party work is confirmed; where serious distortion or falsification of historical evidence undermines the central argument; and/or where fundamental ethical or legal standards have been breached.

3.7 Removal

“Removal” is an exceptional measure, applied only when continued public access to a text would violate third-party rights and/or applicable law. Where feasible, the journal will retain the article’s landing page and essential metadata, while clearly stating that the article has been removed and indicating the legal grounds for that decision.

4. What does not constitute grounds for correction or retraction

The journal does not issue “Corrections” or “Retractions” solely on the basis of disagreement regarding the interpretation of sources or secondary literature, nor because of differences in theoretical frameworks or analytical approaches. Such matters are addressed through academic debate – for example through the publication of critical essays, responses, or discussion in appropriate academic fora.

5. Submission of requests and initiation of the process

Requests for a “Correction”, “Addendum”, “Expression of Concern”, or “Retraction” may be submitted by authors, readers, reviewers, members of the Editorial Committee, or relevant institutional bodies. Requests should be sent to the journal’s email address ([email protected]) and must include a clear description of the issue and, where possible, supporting documentation.

The journal assesses the substance and credibility of requests before initiating an internal inquiry. Where an inquiry is opened, the Editorial Committee informs the author(s) and invites them to submit their perspective and any relevant evidence within a reasonable timeframe.

6. Investigation procedure

The Editor and the Managing Editor, in consultation with the Editorial Committee, conduct an initial assessment of the seriousness of the matter. Where appropriate, the journal may consult an independent academic or researcher with expertise in the relevant field. The author(s) are informed and invited to provide clarifications within a reasonable period. The final decision is taken by the journal’s editorial leadership.

Additional due-process safeguards:

• Conflicts of interest (COI) and recusal: Any editorial team member with a conflict of interest in relation to the article under review (e.g., authorship of the article or a close personal/professional relationship with the author) must recuse themselves from the process.
• Right of appeal: Author(s) may appeal a decision within a reasonable timeframe. Appeals and supporting arguments are reviewed by the editorial leadership and, where applicable, any independent experts involved in the inquiry.

7. Publication and labelling of notices

Each “Correction” and “Addendum” is published as a separate notice and is clearly linked to the original article.

In cases of “Retraction”, the original article remains accessible, marked prominently as retracted on every page. A separate retraction notice is also published, stating the title of the retracted article and the reasons for retraction.

“Removal” may be imposed when:

• the content violates third-party rights (including intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other legally protected interests);
• the article contains unlawful content, including violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
• there is clear evidence of plagiarism;
• the content promotes hateful or racist positions, or constitutes hate speech and/or incitement to violence.

Notices and metadata:

• Every notice (Correction / Addendum / Expression of Concern / Retraction / Removal) includes a clear date and time and is visibly linked to the relevant article.
• Where feasible, the journal updates metadata in indexing and bibliographic services.
• The DOI of the original article remains unchanged. Where possible, post-publication notices are assigned their own identifiers to enable independent citation.

8. Long-term preservation and bibliographic responsibility

The journal recognizes that historical scholarship is consulted and cited over long periods. Accordingly, any post-publication intervention is implemented in a way that enables readers to understand the nature of the change and the reasons for it, while preserving the integrity of the original publication record.

9. Confidentiality and data protection

All investigations are conducted with due regard for confidentiality and the protection of personal data. The journal discloses only the information strictly necessary to protect research integrity and to inform the academic community.

10. Policy review

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with developments in historiographical practice and with international standards of publication ethics.