Civil and Geoengineering Letters is committed to the highest standards of transparency, academic integrity, and ethical publishing. The journal operates in accordance with internationally recognised principles and best practices, including those set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and leading scholarly publishers. All editorial, peer review, and publication processes are conducted with fairness, accountability, and scientific rigour.

This policy outlines the journal’s principles concerning editorial independence, peer review, research ethics, authorship, use of artificial intelligence, publication charges, and broader commitments to responsible and inclusive scholarly communication.

Editorial Independence and Responsibility

The editorial team maintains full independence in all decision-making processes. Manuscripts are assessed solely on the basis of their academic merit, originality, methodological soundness, and relevance to the journal’s scope. Editorial decisions are not influenced by financial considerations, institutional affiliations, or external interests.

Editors are expected to adhere to the principles outlined in the COPE Core Practices, ensuring objectivity, confidentiality, and integrity throughout the editorial process.

Peer Review Process

All submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Manuscripts are initially screened by the editorial office and subsequently evaluated by independent expert reviewers. The identities of authors and reviewers are kept confidential to ensure impartial assessment.

Editorial decisions are based on reviewer reports, editorial judgement, and the overall scientific quality of the manuscript. Constructive and evidence-based feedback is provided to authors to support the advancement of scholarly work.

Research Ethics and Integrity

Authors must ensure that their research complies with applicable ethical standards, regulations, and institutional requirements. Where relevant, appropriate ethical approval must be obtained prior to conducting the research, and informed consent must be secured for studies involving human participants or sensitive data.

The journal has zero tolerance for unethical practices, including plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, redundant publication, and inappropriate manipulation of data or images. All manuscripts may be screened using plagiarism detection tools.

Authorship and Contribution

Authorship is restricted to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript and agree to its submission.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of authorship information and for confirming that no inappropriate authorship practices, such as guest or ghost authorship, have occurred.

Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence their work. All conflicts of interest must be declared transparently at the earliest stage.

Article Processing Charges

Any applicable Article Processing Charges (APC) are payable only after a manuscript has been formally accepted for publication. The payment of APC has no influence on the peer review process, editorial evaluation, or final decision.

Under no circumstances does payment of APC guarantee acceptance. All submissions are evaluated solely on scientific quality and ethical compliance. The journal maintains a strict separation between editorial decisions and financial transactions.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative Tools

Authors may use artificial intelligence tools exclusively for improving language quality, grammar, and readability. Such use must not alter the scientific content or interpretation of the manuscript.

The use of AI for generating, modifying, analysing, or interpreting research data, results, figures, methodologies, or conclusions is strictly prohibited. The intellectual content of the work must be entirely produced by the authors.

AI tools must not be listed as authors. Responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and originality of the manuscript rests solely with the human authors.

Disclosure of AI Use

Any use of AI tools must be transparently disclosed in the manuscript, specifying the tool used and the extent of its application.

Policy for Reviewers and Editors Regarding AI

Reviewers and editors are strictly prohibited from using AI tools to evaluate, summarise, or make decisions regarding submitted manuscripts. This policy ensures confidentiality, protects intellectual property, and preserves the integrity of the peer review process.

Confidentiality

All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential documents. Editors and reviewers must not disclose or use any unpublished information without the explicit consent of the authors.

Complaints and Appeals

The journal allows authors to submit appeals or complaints regarding editorial decisions. Decisions are primarily based on the assessments of peer reviewers and the editorial board.

Appeals are considered only in exceptional cases where there is clear evidence of error, misunderstanding, or potential unfairness. The aim of the process is to ensure that no author’s rights are compromised and that decisions are fair and transparent.

All appeals are reviewed by the editorial board, and the final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief.

Plagiarism Screening

All submissions are screened using plagiarism detection tools. Manuscripts with significant overlap or evidence of misconduct will be rejected.

Corrections, Retractions, and Misconduct

The journal follows established procedures for handling errors and misconduct, including issuing corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions, in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

The journal is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. Editorial decisions are made without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, nationality, or institutional affiliation.

Alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The journal supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourages research that contributes to sustainable development, environmental protection, and resilient infrastructure.

Net Zero and Environmental Responsibility

The journal supports global efforts towards Net Zero emissions and operates as a fully digital publication to minimise environmental impact. Research contributing to sustainability and climate resilience is strongly encouraged.

Open Access and Licensing

All content is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence, ensuring free and unrestricted access to scholarly work.

The journal continuously reviews and updates its policies in line with international standards to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in scholarly publishing.

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