These editorial guidelines for Monash University's thought leadership platform prioritise freedom of speech and academic freedom while maintaining respect and inclusivity. They encourage diverse and evidence-based discussions, respectful dialogue, and original contributions. These guidelines emphasise clear and accessible writing, peer review, inclusivity, and transparency regarding conflicts of interest. Overall, the platform aims to foster a respectful, diverse, and diligent environment for meaningful discourse on important academic, research, social and cultural issues.
As a platform for sharing innovative ideas and insights, Monash University values thought-provoking discussions while maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment and holds the below standards paramount:
1. Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
Monash University is committed to upholding the principles of intellectual and academic freedom as outlined in the University’s policy and Enterprise Agreement, which encompasses the rights of academics to engage in critical and free enquiry, engage in open discussion by asking important questions, and contribute to the collective knowledge base. We believe that a diverse range of opinions and perspectives enriches the intellectual environment and stimulates meaningful discussions in pursuit of a better future.
2. Open, Diverse and Inclusive Conversations
Monash University is committed to upholding their position on inclusion and diversity by showcasing a wide range of perspectives and ensuring inclusivity in its content. Monash University welcomes contributions from scholars, researchers and experts from various disciplines and backgrounds. Authors are encouraged to consider the diversity of their readership and to contribute insights that reflect a variety of cultural, social, and academic backgrounds. We encourage authors to present their viewpoints, theories and evidence-based insights while respecting the academic and professional standards of their respective fields.
3. Respectful Dialogue
While embracing freedom of speech and academic freedom, Monash University emphasises the importance of maintaining respectful and civil debate. Authors are encouraged to express their ideas in a manner that promotes constructive discussions and avoids personal attacks, harassment, or any form of discriminatory language. Monash University will not publish submissions which may be seen to harass, vilify, defame or intimidate.
4. Evidence-Based Content
Monash University values evidence-based contributions that are grounded in sound research, analysis, and scholarly rigour. Authors should strive to provide well-researched information, citing credible sources, and avoiding unsubstantiated claims or misleading information.
5. Clarity and Accessibility
Contributions should be written in a clear and accessible manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly technical language. This ensures that the content is comprehensible to a diverse audience and promotes engagement from readers with varying levels of expertise and education.
6. Originality and Attribution
Authors are expected to submit original work that has not been published elsewhere. Proper attribution to sources, including ideas, data, and quotes, is essential. Plagiarism or any form of academic misconduct will not be tolerated.
7. Conflict of Interest
Authors should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their work or its interpretation. Transparency is crucial in maintaining the integrity of academic discourse.
8. Responsibility and Accountability
Authors are responsible for the accuracy of their content and its potential impact. The platform reserves the right to address any concerns regarding the accuracy or appropriateness of published content and to take appropriate actions, such as publishing corrections or clarifications, if necessary. This includes the right to publish or not publish any submissions to the editorial team.
9. Academic and Research Integrity
The platform adheres to Monash University's policies on academic and research integrity and responsible conduct, which encompass principles on plagiarism and managing conflicts of interest. Find all Monash policies, procedures and schedules on the Monash Policy Bank.
10. Editorial Discretion
All submissions will be published or otherwise at the discretion of the Editorial Team, which reserves the right to edit or alter articles accepted for publication.
11. Peer Review
All work submitted for publication will be handled with a high level of editorial care and confidentiality. However, the editorial team does not undertake its own peer-review and makes no claim to do so.
Your commitment to upholding these standards not only ensures the quality and credibility of our work but also reflects your dedication to advancing knowledge and maintaining academic integrity.
12. Privacy
The platform will collect digital data about its users that will be used in accordance with the University’s Data Protection and Privacy Procedure and Monash University privacy collection statement.
13. Creative Commons and Republishing
Publications are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.