Last Updated: [27/08/23]

Welcome to BioShorts! We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with utmost care. This Data Protection and Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard the personal information you provide when submitting articles using our online platform.

1. Information We Collect

When you submit an article using our website or email service, we may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: This includes your name, email address, affiliation, and any other information you provide in the submission process.

• Article Content: We will collect the content of the article you submit, including any associated files or media.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide for the following purposes:

• Article Review and Publication: Your article content will be reviewed by our editorial team for potential publication in our journal. Your personal information may be used for correspondence related to the review process and publication.

• Communication: We may use your email address to communicate with you about the status of your submission, updates about our journal, and related matters.

• Analytics: We may analyse aggregate submission data to understand trends and improve our platform and services. This information will be anonymised and not linked to specific individuals.

• Legal and Security: We may use your information as necessary to comply with legal obligations or respond to legal claims. We also take reasonable measures to protect the security and integrity of our platform.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We will not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. However, your information may be shared under the following circumstances:

• Peer Reviewers and Editors: Your article content and personal information may be shared with peer reviewers and editors involved in the review process.

• Service Providers: We may use third-party service providers to assist in the article submission and review process. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are only allowed to use your information for the specified purposes.

• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid legal requests, such as court orders or government investigations.

4. Data Retention

We will retain your personal information and article content for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

5. Your Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and Correction: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you and update/correct it if it's inaccurate.

• Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent to the processing of your personal information at any time.

• Data Deletion: You can request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual requirements.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to your personal information and privacy, please contact our Data Protection Officer at admin@bioshorts.co.uk.

7. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Data Protection and Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website, and the "Last Updated" date will indicate the latest revision.

By submitting your article on our platform, you agree to the terms outlined in this Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

Thank you for choosing BioShorts. We are excited to collaborate with you on advancing scientific knowledge in the field of biology.