ACE Journal of Neurosciences (ACEJN) is committed to protecting the rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of research participants. The journal follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) regarding informed consent and the ethical handling of personal information.
All research involving human participants must be conducted in accordance with applicable institutional, national, and international ethical standards.
Informed Consent
Authors must obtain voluntary, informed consent from all participants before their inclusion in a research study. Participants should be adequately informed about the purpose of the study, research procedures, potential risks and benefits, and their right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.
For participants who are minors or are unable to provide informed consent, consent must be obtained from a legally authorized parent, guardian, or representative in accordance with applicable laws and ethical guidelines.
Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
The personal data and confidential information of individuals, including information obtained through the doctor–patient relationship, must be handled with the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
Authors must ensure that:
- Participants' privacy and confidentiality are fully protected.
- Personally identifiable information is not disclosed without explicit written consent.
- Patient names, initials, identification numbers, hospital numbers, addresses, photographs, videos, or any other identifying information are omitted unless publication is scientifically necessary and written consent has been obtained.
- Confidential medical records are used only for legitimate research purposes and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and institutional policies.
Publication of Identifiable Information
If a manuscript includes identifiable patient information, images, videos, or clinical case details that could reveal an individual's identity, authors must obtain explicit written informed consent for publication from the participant or the participant's legally authorized representative before submission.
The Editorial Office may request copies of consent documentation during the editorial or peer-review process.
Editorial Assessment
Editors may request evidence of informed consent or additional ethical documentation whenever necessary. Failure to provide satisfactory documentation may result in rejection of the manuscript or suspension of the review process.
Non-Compliance
ACE Journal of Neurosciences reserves the right to reject any manuscript that fails to comply with informed consent requirements or violates participant privacy and confidentiality. Allegations of ethical misconduct relating to informed consent or confidentiality will be investigated in accordance with COPE recommendations and the journal's editorial policies.
Commitment to Participant Protection
ACEJN is committed to ensuring that all published research respects the autonomy, privacy, dignity, and legal rights of research participants while maintaining the highest standards of research ethics and scientific integrity.
