1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to The Laubscher Institute for Research (“TLIR”, “we”, “our”, or “the Institute”).
These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of all TLIR platforms, including but not limited to our website, research portals, journals, archives, digital services, newsletters, learning resources, publications, online communities, analytics tools, and any other service we operate (collectively “the Services”).

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms, including any policies referenced herein (Privacy Policy, Editorial Policy, Ethics & Conduct Guidelines). If you do not agree, you must discontinue use immediately.

 

2. ABOUT TLIR

TLIR is an independent research institute focused on psychological theory, social science, human behaviour, governance models, and interdisciplinary innovation. We publish research papers, theoretical frameworks, educational content, and multimedia materials under the TLIR umbrella.

Our Services may include:

• Open-access research papers

• Peer-reviewed journals

• Public theory frameworks

• Courses and learning modules

• Digital communities

• Submissions and editorial platforms

• Research tools and data

• Interviews and Podcasts

• Software or interactive simulations

 

3. ELIGIBILITY

To use TLIR Services you must:

• Be at least 13 years old, and

• Use the Services in compliance with all applicable laws.

If accessing on behalf of an institution, you represent that you have the authority to agree to these Terms on that institution’s behalf.

 

4. ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

You agree that you will NOT:

 

4.1 Misuse the Services

• Upload viruses, malware, or harmful code.

• Attempt to hack, scrape, or reverse-engineer any TLIR systems.

• Circumvent access restrictions or attempt unauthorized access.

 

4.2 Violate Intellectual Property

• Copy, distribute, or republish TLIR content without proper permission or citation.

• Remove TLIR logos, copyright notices, or attribution requirements.

 

4.3 Engage in Harmful Behaviour

• Harass, threaten, impersonate, or abuse other users or staff.

• Submit fraudulent data, false research, or plagiarized materials.

• Use TLIR platforms to promote hate speech, discrimination, violence, or misinformation.

 

4.4 Commercial Misuse

Unless explicitly permitted, you may not use TLIR Services to:

• Sell products or courses

• Advertise or solicit business

• Collect data for commercial exploitation

 

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

All content published by TLIR—including text, theories, models, graphics, research, logos, videos, software, and documents—is the exclusive intellectual property of The Laubscher Institute for Research unless otherwise stated.

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5.1 User Rights

You receive a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access TLIR content for personal, academic, or non-commercial usage.

 

5.2 Prohibited Actions

You may NOT:

• Copy or republish TLIR content without permission

• Translate, adapt, modify, or resell our content

• Claim ownership of TLIR frameworks, theories, or models

 

5.3 Citation Requirements

All usage of TLIR research must be properly cited according to academic standards.

 

6. USER ACCOUNTS

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining confidentiality of your login details

• Ensuring your submissions are truthful and accurate

• All activity performed under your account

TLIR may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

 

7. SUBMISSIONS & RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

By submitting research, manuscripts, ideas, or data to TLIR (including journals and open submissions), you agree that:

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7.1 Ownership

You retain copyright over your work, unless TLIR enters a separate publishing agreement with you.

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7.2 License to TLIR

You grant TLIR a worldwide, royalty-free license to:

• Publish, review, edit, and distribute your submission

• Store and archive your submission

• Include your submission in journals, research collections, and databases

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7.3 Editorial Discretion

TLIR reserves the right to:

• Decline, edit, peer-review, or request revisions

• Remove or retract content for ethical or academic reasons

• Flag or ban users who repeatedly submit low-quality or harmful content

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8. EDUCATIONAL & RESEARCH CONTENT DISCLAIMER

TLIR materials are provided for educational and informational purposes only.
They are NOT a substitute for:

• Medical advice

• Psychological diagnosis

• Legal guidance

• Professional counselling

• Financial advice

TLIR publications—even those involving psychology—are NOT clinical tools, nor are they intended to be used for treatment, assessment, or diagnostic procedures.

TLIR and its contributors are not liable for any decisions made based on TLIR materials.

 

9. THIRD-PARTY LINKS & INTEGRATIONS

Our Services may contain links to external websites or third-party platforms. TLIR is not responsible for:

• Content on third-party websites

• Security of external services

• Accuracy of external information

Your interactions with third-party tools or websites are at your own risk.

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10. PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION

Your privacy is important to us. All personal information processed through TLIR Services is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

TLIR will never sell your personal data.
We may use analytics to improve user experience but do not track personally identifiable data without consent.

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11. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

All TLIR Services are provided “as is” and “as available.”
We do not guarantee that:

• Content is error-free

• Research is always up-to-date

• Services will be uninterrupted or secure

• Files or downloads are free from malware

Research evolves over time; TLIR does not guarantee the permanent accuracy of theoretical work.

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12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the maximum extent permitted by law, TLIR shall not be liable for:

• Loss of data

• Damages arising from reliance on TLIR content

• Economic losses

• Academic disputes

• Psychological or emotional harm

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

You use TLIR Services entirely at your own risk.

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13. SUSPENSION & TERMINATION

TLIR may suspend or terminate access if:

• You violate these Terms

• You engage in unethical or harmful conduct

• Your actions compromise academic integrity

• Legal or security concerns arise

We may also remove content at our discretion.

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14. CHANGES TO TERMS

TLIR reserves the right to amend, update, or revise these Terms.
Changes will take effect immediately once published.
Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

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15. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, unless explicitly stated otherwise in collaborations or international initiatives.

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16. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions, permissions, complaints, or clarifications, contact:

The Laubscher Institute for Research (TLIR)
Email: info@laubscherinstitute.org
Website: www.tlir.org.za

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17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and TLIR and supersede any prior agreements or understandings regarding the Services.