EDP Sciences has reaffirmed its strong commitment to research integrity following recent concerns over the credibility of certain conference proceedings and publications. Addressing these issues, the publisher has taken decisive steps, including immediate retractions, increased editorial oversight, and the adoption of advanced integrity-checking tools, to uphold the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing.
Research integrity is the foundation of academic publishing, and EDP Sciences remains dedicated to maintaining the trustworthiness of scholarly communication. The publisher follows rigorous peer review processes, adheres to the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and employs cutting-edge technological solutions to ensure the reliability of its publications. By actively monitoring and addressing ethical challenges, EDP Sciences continues to safeguard the academic record.
EDP Sciences has demonstrated this commitment through decisive action. In 2024, after an internal investigation, the publisher temporarily halted the publication of new proceedings in the E3S Web of Conferences and BIO Web of Conferences until the end of the year. This pause allowed for a thorough review of ethical breaches, including citation manipulation, and the implementation of stronger safeguards to prevent such practices in the future.
Similarly, a detailed review of a Special Issue of Science and Technology for Energy Transition (STET), conducted in collaboration with IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), led to the retraction of multiple articles due to serious violations of authorship and peer-review ethics. The investigation revealed coordinated misconduct, prompting the removal of compromised papers and notification of relevant institutions. Further details on these retractions will be shared later this month.
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure research integrity, EDP Sciences has invested in advanced screening tools designed to proactively detect ethical breaches. The publisher has signed an agreement to implement the Clear Skies Papermill Alarm, now integrated with the STM Integrity Hub, a collaborative initiative developed by STM Solutions, a subsidiary of the International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers (STM). This system employs a traffic-light rating system to identify potentially manipulated content, allowing publishers to prioritize resources and investigate suspicious manuscripts effectively.
In addition, EDP Sciences has partnered with Cactus Communications to integrate Paperpal Preflight for Editorial Desk across its conference proceedings. This AI-powered tool conducts rigorous integrity checks, identifying potential ethical concerns alongside assessing language quality and technical compliance.
Integrity is embedded in every aspect of EDP Sciences’ publishing practices. All journals undergo stringent peer review to ensure that only high-quality, ethically conducted research is published. The publisher strictly follows COPE guidelines to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the publication process.
To further reinforce its ethical commitment, EDP Sciences is guided by its Scientific Advisory Committee, an independent panel of respected scientists and industry experts. This committee provides strategic editorial guidance, helping the publisher navigate the evolving scholarly landscape, including Open Science initiatives, transparency efforts, and international integrity challenges.
As academic publishing continues to evolve, so do the challenges in maintaining ethical standards. EDP Sciences remains committed to refining its policies, strengthening its editorial processes, and integrating advanced technologies to uphold the highest standards in scholarly publishing.
The publisher acknowledges that the majority of researchers adhere to ethical best practices and contribute to the advancement of knowledge with integrity and professionalism. EDP Sciences extends its gratitude to the authors, reviewers, institutions, and organizations that actively support ethical publishing. Their vigilance and dedication play a crucial role in maintaining trust in scholarly communication and preserving the credibility of the academic record.
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