ACCESS TO BASIC DATA AND REPRODUCIBILITY

The main features of scientific research are: a) the tendency to generate and use statistical data to support a robust quantitative analysis of research results and b) the necessary replicability of such results. It is increasingly common for groups of researchers to seek to replicate the procedures, protocols and research results reported by other researchers.

In the case of some results reported by social science journals, they obviously cannot be replicated; in addition, the personal data of individuals must be responsibly guarded, guaranteeing anonymity. Likewise, the material data, codes, procedures, protocols and algorithms used in articles published in natural science journals must be made fully available. Restrictions on the availability and use of materials, data and information must be communicated to the editors at the time the article is submitted to any of the journals published by CORI and must be noted in the manuscript.

Once a paper has been published, if other researchers find that the authors refuse to comply with the information availability policy, they should contact the journal’s editor-in-chief. In the event that authors also refuse the editor’s request, the journal will refer the matter to the authors’ funding institution and publish a formal statement of correction, attached to the publication, noting that readers have encountered obstacles in obtaining the information and materials necessary to replicate the findings reported in the article in question.

In the case of the use of biological samples, specimens, botanical materials and germplasm accessions, they must have been obtained in a responsible manner and in full accordance with applicable local laws.

All manuscripts proposed for publication in Autonomous Chapingo University’s journals must include a data availability statement, which should be placed at the end of the Methods section; for those articles that do not have such a section, the data availability statement should be provided in a special section before the References or Acknowledgements.

Any restriction on access to sensitive data (e.g. personal data, data on vulnerable or at-risk populations) requires an explanation, reasons and the nature of the restriction, as well as details on the conditions under which access is possible.