International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers (STM), has commissioned Research Consulting to conduct a sector-wide study examining how publishing organisations are addressing challenges related to research integrity. The study is being undertaken on behalf of STM’s Research Integrity Committee, amid mounting concerns over coordinated threats to the integrity of research communication.
The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of publisher practices in safeguarding the scholarly record, including both standalone and collaborative efforts across different types of publishing organisations. The initiative responds to increasing instances of compromised research—from the proliferation of paper mills and manipulated peer review systems to broader structural pressures that can erode trust in published work.
Retractions of scientific papers have grown significantly in recent years. According to the Retraction Watch Database, many of these removals cite issues ranging from unintentional mistakes to deliberate misconduct. Ensuring research integrity has therefore become a shared priority across the global research ecosystem. In response, academic institutions, funders, and governments have introduced measures such as persistent identifiers (e.g., ORCID) and greater transparency requirements. Publishers are an essential part of this response framework.
To support this effort, the study will review the methods that publishing organisations are using to detect, prevent, and respond to research integrity breaches. This includes the work of initiatives such as the STM Integrity Hub and United2Act, which promote shared action across the publishing sector. The research will capture both sector-wide protocols and practices specific to particular disciplines or organisational models.
Research Consulting will conduct a combination of desk research and interviews with designated Research Integrity leads within publishing organisations. The study will examine a range of issues, including:
• Screening and quality assurance measures before publication
• Adoption of technological tools for integrity monitoring
• Investigation and remediation procedures for published articles
• Engagement and coordination with external stakeholders
• Organisational resources and governance structures that support integrity-related activities
A public report is expected in late 2025. It will include case studies documenting a range of publisher approaches and is intended to support shared learning among publishers, researchers, research funders, and policymakers. By consolidating insights across the sector, the report aims to inform efforts aimed at strengthening the integrity of scholarly publishing.
Organisations that have developed integrity-related practices or wish to contribute insights to the mapping exercise are invited to take part by submitting information through a dedicated form. Updates to the study will be made available via STM’s website and social media channels.
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