Corrections policy
We correct the record openly. This policy sets out how we handle errors in published research, how we classify them, and how you can report one.
This policy is effective from 12 May 2026. It applies to all research the International Research Institute publishes, and forms part of our editorial standards. Correcting the record when we get something wrong is a condition of publishing, not an exception to it.
Our principle
Independent research is only as trustworthy as its willingness to be corrected. When we become aware of an error, we assess it promptly, act in proportion to its significance, and record what we changed and why. We do not quietly alter published conclusions.
How we classify changes
- Minor amendments— typographical fixes, broken links, formatting and other changes that do not affect the meaning or findings. These are made without a formal notice, though the document’s version and date are updated.
- Corrections— changes that affect a figure, a statement or an interpretation without undermining the study’s central findings. We publish a dated correction notice describing what changed, and preserve the earlier version on request.
- Substantive corrections— changes that materially affect the conclusions. These carry a prominent notice on the publication and are recorded in the item’s history.
- Withdrawal or replacement — where a study can no longer be relied upon, we withdraw it with a clear explanation, or replace it with a corrected version that is labelled as such.
Versioning and transparency
Every published item carries a date and, where relevant, a version. When we issue a correction, the notice states the date, the nature of the change and its effect on the findings. Digital object identifiers continue to resolve to the current version, and we keep an internal record of what was changed so the history is auditable.
How we decide
Corrections are assessed by the research team responsible for the work together with our editorial function, independently of any funder or commissioning party. Where an error affects a study that informed public decisions, we prioritise a swift and visible correction.
How to report an error
If you believe you have found an error in our work, please tell us. Email corrections@internationalresearchinstitute.org or use our contact page, naming the publication and describing the issue as precisely as you can. We acknowledge reports promptly and explain what action, if any, we will take.
Related standards
This policy works alongside our editorial standards, our conflict of interest policy and our research independence commitments.