TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SCIENCE NET PLATFORM

§1. General Provisions

1. These Terms and Conditions set out the rules for using the Science Net online platform ("Platform").
2. The Platform is operated by Science Net Sp. z o.o., with its registered office at 80-137 Gdańsk, ul. Starodworska 1, entered in the National Court Register under number 0001170754.
3. The Platform is a marketplace enabling the conclusion of service agreements between Reviewers and Publishers.
4. The Operator is not a party to the contracts concluded between Users.

§2. Definitions

• User – an entity holding an account on the Platform
• Reviewer – a User offering academic review services
• Publisher – a User commissioning a review
• Offer – an advertisement by a Reviewer
• Transaction – an agreement concluded between Users
• Escrow system – a deposit mechanism holding funds until the service is performed

§3. Registration and verification (KYC)

1. Registration requires the provision of accurate details.
2. The Operator may carry out verification of identity, academic qualifications and affiliation (KYC/KYB).
3. The Operator may:
   • refuse registration,
   • suspend an account,
   • delete an account in the event of violations.
4. Reviewers may be required to provide:
   • their academic record,
   • ORCID / affiliation,
   • an academic CV.

§4. Nature of the services

1. The Platform enables:
   • the publication of review offers,
   • placing orders,
   • communication,
   • payment management.
2. The Operator does not provide review services.

§5. Conclusion of the contract

1. The contract is concluded upon:
   • the Publisher accepts the Offer and
   • the Reviewer accepts the order.
2. The contract is concluded directly between the Users.

§6. Payments and escrow

1. Payments are processed via the Platform.
2. Funds may be held in escrow.
3. Payment is made after:
   • the submission of a review,
   • no dispute arising within the specified time.
4. The Operator charges a commission in accordance with the price list.

§7. Rating and reputation system

1. Once the Transaction is complete, the parties may leave ratings.
2. The Operator may remove ratings that breach the Terms and Conditions.
3. The Reviewer ranking may affect the visibility of Offers.

§8. Reviewer's Obligations

The Reviewer undertakes to:

1. conduct reviews in a fair and objective manner,
2. act in accordance with the principles of scientific ethics (COPE),
3. avoid conflicts of interest,
4. maintain confidentiality.

§9. The Publisher's Obligations

The Publisher undertakes to:

1. supply materials that comply with the law,
2. make timely payment,
3. not influence the content of the review.

§10. Confidentiality and NDA

1. All materials are confidential.
2. The reviewer must not:
   • disclose the content of the work,
   • use it for scientific purposes without consent.
3. A breach of confidentiality may result in:
   • account suspension,
   • liability for damages.

§11. Conflict of interest

1. A reviewer is obliged to disclose any conflict of interest.
2. In the event of a conflict:
   • they may not accept the assignment,
   • or must terminate it immediately.

§12. Copyright

1. The review constitutes a work.
2. Upon payment:
   • the copyright is transferred to the Publisher,
   • or a licence is granted.
3. The Platform does not acquire rights to the content.

§13. Disputes and complaints

1. Disputes between Users may be:
   • reported to the Operator,
   • resolved through mediation.
2. The Operator may:
   • freeze funds,
   • resolve the dispute within the Platform.
3. Complaints regarding the Platform are dealt with within 14 days.

§14. Liability

1. The Operator is not liable for:
   • the quality of reviews,
   • publishing decisions,
   • the actions of Users.
2. The Operator's liability is limited to the amount of fees charged by the Platform.
3. The Operator shall not be liable for:
   • lost profits,
   • indirect damages.

§15. Abuse and moderation

1. It is prohibited to:
   • manipulate reviews,
   • impersonate users,
   • circumvent the payment system.
2. The Operator may:
   • remove content,
   • block accounts,
   • report breaches to the authorities.

§16. Personal data (GDPR)

1. Data is processed in accordance with the GDPR.
2. The Platform acts as:
   • a controller or
   • a processor (depending on the relationship).
3. Details are set out in the Privacy Policy.

§17. APIs and integrations

1. The Platform may provide an API.
2. Use of the API requires a separate agreement.
3. The following is prohibited:
   • scraping without consent,
   • overloading the system.

§18. Amendments to the Terms and Conditions

1. The Operator may amend the Terms and Conditions.
2. Users will be notified in advance.
3. Continued use constitutes acceptance of the amendments.

§19. Governing Law

1. These Terms and Conditions are governed by Polish law.
2. Disputes shall be settled by the court having jurisdiction over the Operator's registered office.