Conflict of interest policy

1. Purpose

This policy aims to establish the guidelines for identifying, disclosing, and properly managing potential conflicts of interest by authors, editors, reviewers, and any other individuals involved in the editorial process of publications managed by the General Directorate of Publications at the University of Colima.

2. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when a personal, professional, financial, or institutional relationship may influence—or be perceived to influence—the impartial judgment of someone involved in the editorial process. Conflicts may be actual, potential, or perceived.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Personal or family relationships between authors, editors, or reviewers

  • Recent academic collaborations (within the last 3 years)

  • Shared institutional affiliations

  • Financial interests related to the content of the work

  • Ideological or political commitments that may affect objectivity

3. Scope of Application

  • Authors

  • Editors

  • Reviewers

  • Editorial staff involved in evaluation and publication processes

4. Mandatory Disclosure

4.1 Authors

When submitting a work for publication, authors must transparently disclose:

  • Any relationship or interest that could influence the evaluation of their work

  • Funding sources for the project or research

4.2 Editors

Editors must recuse themselves from the editorial process of works in which:

  • They have a direct personal or professional relationship with the author(s)

  • They have a vested interest in the results or content of the book

In such cases, the General Directorate of Publications, through its Editorial Office, will assign another editor or responsible party to ensure impartiality.

4.3 Reviewers

Reviewers invited to evaluate a manuscript must inform the General Directorate of Publications if:

  • They know the identity of the author and have a relationship that could affect their judgment

  • They perceive any interest that could compromise their objectivity

In such cases, they must decline the invitation to participate.

5. Confidentiality and Management

All information related to conflicts of interest will be handled with strict confidentiality by the staff of the General Directorate of Publications and its Editorial Office.

If an undisclosed conflict of interest is identified that compromises the integrity of the process, the Directorate may:

  • Suspend or reassign the manuscript

  • Withdraw the manuscript or publication, in serious cases

6. Institutional Responsibility

The General Directorate of Publications is responsible for:

  • Promoting a culture of transparency and editorial ethics

  • Ensuring that this policy is known, understood, and accepted by all individuals involved in the editorial process

  • Recording conflict of interest disclosures and acting upon any violations

7. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically (every three years, or earlier if necessary) to ensure its relevance and alignment with national and international best editorial practices.

Implementation Date: May 2025
Edition: 01