Multiple submission
From The Embassy of Good Science
ResourcesCases
Multiple submission
What is this about?
In this fictional case, an assistant professor submits a paper manuscript for consideration to journal#1. Whilst awaiting for the journal’s decision that appears to be taking longer than expected, and feeling under pressure to meet certain deadlines in her career, the professor decides to submit the same manuscript to journal#2.
Why is this important?
Manuscript processing and peer reviewing timelines may vary among journals. Waiting for a journal’s decision of acceptance (or, otherwise) of a manuscript can be frustrating for authors. However, as this case shows, advancing one’s career is not a sufficient justification for multiple submissions and breaching a journal’s guidelines. The case provides some food for thought as to why practices of multiple submissions may challenge research ethics.
