Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism Policy

Multiverse Journal (MVJ) upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and maintains a strict policy against all forms of plagiarism. All submitted manuscripts must be original, properly cited, and free from unethical academic practices.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text, data, tables, figures, or images from previously published sources without proper citation.
  • Paraphrasing another author's work without acknowledgment.
  • Self-plagiarism, duplication, or recycling of previously published work without citation.
  • Using concepts, ideas, or findings from other works as one’s own.
  • Submitting the work of another individual as one’s own.

2. Plagiarism Detection

All submissions are screened using reliable plagiarism detection tools such as Turnitin and iThenticate.

The similarity index of a manuscript must not exceed 19% (excluding references). Manuscripts found above this limit may be returned for correction or rejected based on the extent and nature of the similarity.

3. Editorial Action on Plagiarism

If plagiarism is detected at the submission stage, during peer review, or after publication, MVJ may take one or more of the following actions:

  • Immediate rejection of the manuscript.
  • Request for revision if the similarity is minor and unintentional.
  • Retraction of the article if plagiarism is discovered after publication.
  • Notification to the author's affiliated institution or funding body.
  • Blacklisting of the author(s) from future submissions to the journal.

4. Author Responsibility

Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality and authenticity of their work. All sources must be appropriately cited following the journal's referencing guidelines. Authors must also confirm in the Author Declaration Form that their submission is free from plagiarism and unethical academic practices.

5. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

MVJ discourages:

  • Reusing substantial parts of one’s previously published work without citation.
  • Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals (duplicate submission).

If certain overlapping content is necessary (such as methodology or background text), it must be properly cited and justified.

6. Ethical Standards

This plagiarism policy follows the ethical guidelines and best practices recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). MVJ investigates all concerns related to academic misconduct thoroughly and transparently.