Journal policy
Research Ethics for Evidence Syntheses
GMR does not accept new primary human, animal, clinical or laboratory research; ethical requirements relate to evidence synthesis and any reused or participant-level data.
Journal scope
GMR publishes evidence syntheses only. It does not accept Original Research, Clinical Studies, Case Reports, new clinical trials, new animal experiments or laboratory studies.
Reviews of published aggregate data
A review based solely on published, non-identifiable aggregate data normally does not require new participant consent or a new ethics-committee approval. Authors must not claim an approval that was not required or obtained.
Individual participant data and confidential data
Individual participant data meta-analysis or access to confidential data may require data-use agreements, secure processing, de-identification, consent or ethics approval under the source agreements and applicable law. Authors must describe the safeguards and approvals or waivers.
Ethics of included studies
Authors should consider material ethical limitations of included studies and explain how such concerns affect inclusion, risk of bias, certainty and interpretation. Reviews of animal studies may be submitted, but no new animal experiment is accepted.
Questions or concerns
Use the appropriate secure route when a matter requires a documented response.