Since July 20, 2015, figures in manuscripts considered for acceptance in ASPET’s four wholly owned journals are examined for evidence of manipulation. Although certain modifications of primary data are often needed for clarity and/or brevity, image manipulation for deceptive purposes, to unfairly enhance or eliminate or otherwise obscure data, are grounds for rejection and may constitute misconduct. Inappropriate image manipulation will result in rejection of the manuscript. Suspected misconduct may be reported to the authors’ institution(s) and funder(s).
Revised figures submitted after acceptance will also undergo image forensics.
More detailed information about image manipulation is available from each journal’s Instructions to Authors in the section on figures:
- Drug Metabolism and Disposition
- Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Pharmacological Reviews
The implementation of image forensics supports ASPET’s commitment to high standards of scientific rigor and the Society’s support for the National Institutes of Health Principles and Guidelines for Reporting Preclinical Research. That support was first expressed in an announcement from ASPET’s Board of Publications Trustees published in the July issue of each of the Society’s four wholly owned journals and in ASPET's member news publication, The Pharmacologist.
- Drug Metabolism and Disposition
- Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Pharmacological Reviews
For more information, contact journals@aspet.org.