Redundant Publication

The Council of Science Editors defines redundant publication as “reporting (publishing or attempting to publish) substantially the same work more than once, without attribution of the original source(s)” (CBE Views 1996;19[4]:76–77). Characteristics of reports that are substantially similar include (a) “at least one of the authors must be common to all reports (if there are no common authors, it is more likely plagiarism than redundant publication),” (b) “the subject or study populations are often the same or similar,” (c) “the methodology is typically identical or nearly so,” and (d) “the results and their interpretation generally vary little, if at all.” Please note that in addition to the foregoing, Radiology also includes as redundant publication (a) any work that has been previously published in a language other than English, unless the editor agrees to publish and so identifies the material when it appears in Radiology, and (b) previously published abstracts substantially greater than 300 words.

If the editor suspects a redundant publication, he will ask the authors to provide a written clarification. The editor may also seek the opinions of the deputy editors, associate editors, reviewers, and others to help determine the presence of redundant publication. If redundant publication is considered present, the authors will be notified and potential sanctions include (a) a ban on considering any other material presented by any of the involved authors for a period of 5 years, (b) notification of the other journal(s) to which the material has been submitted or in which it has been published, (c) notification of author’s department chair, and (d) notification of the officials of the university or universities at which the authors reside.

When submitting a manuscript, authors should include a letter informing the editor of any potential overlap with other already published material or material being evaluated for publication and should also state how the manuscript submitted to Radiology differs substantially from this other material. Copies of such material must be provided to aid the editor in determining the potential for redundant publication. The editor will review the submission and the copies of other materials provided by the authors. If all or part of your patient population was previously reported, this should be mentioned Materials and Methods, with citation of the appropriate reference(s) (blinded for initial review).