Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism & Originality Policy — Georgian Medical Journal (GMJ)

1) Principle

GMJ upholds the highest standards of research integrity. We do not tolerate plagiarism, duplicate/overlapping publication, undisclosed text recycling, image/data manipulation, or translation plagiarism.

2) Pre-submission (Author responsibility)

Before submitting, authors should:

  • Screen the manuscript with a trusted similarity checker (e.g., iThenticate, Turnitin).

  • Cite, quote, and permission any reused text, figures, tables, or datasets.

  • Disclose prior dissemination (preprints, theses, conference abstracts/papers) and ensure no simultaneous submission elsewhere.

  • Disclose use of AI-assisted tools (see §7).

3) Editorial screening

All submissions undergo similarity analysis during triage (e.g., Crossref Similarity Check/iThenticate or equivalent). Editorial judgment—not the raw percentage—determines outcomes.

Guideline thresholds (after excluding references, quotes, methods boilerplate, templates):

  • Overall similarity index: ≤ 20%

  • Single-source overlap: ≤ 5%
    Exceeding these thresholds typically triggers revise-and-resubmit or rejection. Methods text may allow slightly higher overlap if standard and properly cited.

4) What counts as misconduct

  • Verbatim copying without quotation/citation.

  • Close paraphrasing without attribution.

  • Self-plagiarism: duplicate/overlapping publication (“salami slicing”), re-use of substantial text/data without citation.

  • Reuse of figures/tables/images without permission or attribution.

  • Translation plagiarism (copying from another language without citation).

  • Citation manipulation or fabricated references.

  • Undisclosed AI-generated content that reproduces third-party text/ideas.

5) Editorial actions

Based on extent/intent and COPE guidance, GMJ may:

  • Request revision with proper attribution;

  • Reject the manuscript;

  • Notify institutions/funders when warranted;

  • For published items: issue Correction, Expression of Concern, or Retraction;

  • Apply submission bans for severe/repeated offenses.

GMJ retains similarity reports and correspondence as part of the editorial record.

6) Peer review transparency

Where appropriate, GMJ may offer optional transparent peer review (publishing reviewer reports and author responses with consent). Similarity screening may be repeated after revision.

7) AI-assisted writing & tools

  • AI tools cannot be authors.

  • Any AI use (text generation, translation, editing, image creation) must be disclosed in the manuscript (Methods/Acknowledgements), including tool name and version.

  • Authors remain fully responsible for originality, accuracy, and compliance with copyright and patient privacy.

8) Appeals

Authors may appeal originality decisions by addressing each overlap finding and providing evidence (permissions, citations, data). The Editor-in-Chief oversees appeals.

9) Useful tools (for authors; no endorsement implied)

Similarity checkers

Grammar & style

Professional editing

Disclosure: GMJ does not endorse specific vendors; links are provided for convenience.

Contact: editor@gmj.ge · gmj.ge