Malpractice Statement

Ex Novo considers plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate submission, and other forms of misconduct as serious ethical violations.

 

Data, Materials & Transparency

  • Where feasible, authors are encouraged or required to deposit underlying data, supplementary materials, code, and methodological documentation in publicly accessible repositories (with appropriate protection for sensitive data). We encourage “Data Availability Statements” and making supporting evidence available.
  • The journal supports transparency in methods, sampling strategies, analytical choices, and the documentation of uncertainties.

 

Ethics of Archaeological Heritage & Responsible Publishing

  • Authors should ensure that archaeological work is carried out in culturally appropriate, legally authorized, and ethically responsible ways—respecting provenance, contextual integrity, community engagement, and heritage protection.
  • The journal reserves the right to decline work that involves illicit trade, questionable acquisition of artifacts, or that fails to demonstrate ethical stewardship of archaeological materials.
  • Authors should address the potential impact of publication on heritage sites or stakeholder communities (e.g. looting risk, community sensitivities).
  • The journal may require authors to state compliance with relevant codes (e.g. ICOMOS, national heritage agencies, local laws) and to provide proof of permits or institutional/ethical review.

 

Handling Misconduct & Complaints

  • Suspected misconduct (plagiarism, data fabrication, dual submission, unethical field practices etc.) will be handled according to COPE procedures, involving investigation, consultation with authors and institutions, external experts, and appropriate remedial action (correction, retraction, or expression of concern).
  • The journal reserves the right to contact authors’ institutions, funders, or other relevant bodies in serious cases.
  • Appeals: Authors may appeal editorial decisions, but appeals must address specific procedural or factual issues (not simply disagreement with judgment). A single appeal per manuscript per decision stage is generally allowed.

 

Name changes & author identity

If an author has legally changed their name (e.g. for personal reasons), the journal will allow discreet or silent correction of the name in published works, in consultation with the author—without undue bureaucratic burden.