Research Ethics Involving Humans and Animals

The Iraqi Journal of Physics (IJP) requires that any research involving humans or animals adhere to applicable institutional, national, and international ethical standards. Obtain ethical approval before commencing research. 

Research Involving Humans 

Studies involving human participants, personally identifiable data, medical records, images, or human biological materials must obtain approval from a competent ethics committee or institutional review board. 

The manuscript must include the following:

- Name of the committee and institution approving.

- Approval number or reference code. 

- Confirmation that the research has complied with the Declaration of Helsinki and applicable regulations. 

Informed consent must be obtained from participants or their legal representatives. In the event of a waiver of consent or ethical approval, the manuscript must identify the waiving committee and provide the relevant reference number. 

Written consent is required for publication when participants can be identified through photographs, medical information, detailed case details, or other data. Authors must protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants. 

https://ijp.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/physics/libraryFiles/downloadPublic/43

Research Involving Animals

Prior approval from the relevant institutional animal ethics committee is required before any animal study is conducted. The research must include the committee's name, the institution, the approval number, and the guidelines followed. 

Animal research must comply with applicable animal welfare regulations and the principles of Substitute, Reduce, and Improve (3Rs):

Substitute: Use substitutes whenever possible. 

Reduce: Use the minimum number of animals required. 

Improve: Minimize pain and suffering. 

Animal studies must be reported in accordance with ARRIVE guidelines where applicable. 

- Exceptions

If ethical or informed consent is not required, authors must explain why and cite the applicable regulation. Where possible, a formal exemption from an accredited ethics committee should be provided.  

https://ijp.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/physics/libraryFiles/downloadPublic/33

Editorial Procedures 

The journal may request ethical approvals, consent documents, permissions, or other supporting records at any stage. Manuscripts may be rejected if ethical requirements are not met or if the information provided cannot be verified. 

If the ethical issue is identified after publication, the journal may issue a correction, statement of concern, or retraction in accordance with its publication ethics procedures and COPE guidelines.