Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS)

ISSN (Print): 3079-3920 | ISSN (Online): 3079-3939

Publisher: Kuwait Scientific Society

1. Policy Statement

The Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and ethical publishing. All authors, reviewers, and editors are required to disclose any competing interests (also known as conflicts of interest) that could influence, or be perceived to influence, the research, review process, or editorial decisions.

A competing interest exists when professional judgment concerning a primary interest (such as research validity or patient welfare) may be influenced by a secondary interest (such as financial gain, personal relationships, or academic competition).

2. Competing Interests for Authors

Authors must disclose all financial and non-financial interests that may be relevant to the submitted work, including but not limited to:

Financial Interests

• Research funding or grants
• Employment or consultancy
• Honoraria or speaker fees
• Stock ownership or shares
• Patents or patent applications
• Paid expert testimony

Non-Financial Interests

• Personal or professional relationships
• Institutional affiliations
• Academic competition
• Political, religious, or ideological beliefs that may influence interpretation

All disclosures must be clearly stated in a dedicated “Competing Interests” section within the manuscript.

Example Statement:

• No Competing Interests:

“The authors declare that they have no competing interests.”

• With Competing Interests:

“Author A has received research funding from XYZ Pharmaceutical Company. Author B serves as a consultant for ABC Medical Devices. All other authors declare no competing interests.”

Failure to disclose relevant conflicts may result in rejection, correction, or retraction.

3. Competing Interests for Reviewers

Reviewers must:

• Decline to review manuscripts where a conflict of interest exists.
• Avoid reviewing work from close collaborators, institutional colleagues, or competitors.
• Maintain confidentiality of manuscript content.

If uncertain, reviewers should consult the editorial office before proceeding.

4. Competing Interests for Editors

Editors must:

• Recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have a conflict.
• Ensure impartial decision-making.
• Assign independent editors where necessary.

Editorial decisions must be based solely on scientific merit, relevance, and ethical compliance.

5. Transparency and Accountability

JMMS may publish declared competing interests alongside the article to ensure transparency. The journal reserves the right to request additional information if necessary.

6. Consequences of Non-Disclosure

Undisclosed conflicts discovered after publication may lead to:

• Publication of a correction
• Expression of concern
• Retraction of the article
• Notification to the authors’ institution