A new report released by STM delves into the feasibility of technical solutions for detecting falsified images in research. With the rise of paper mills and generative AI, ensuring image integrity has become a critical issue for maintaining research credibility.
The report focuses on immunohistochemistry blots and microscopy images, outlining the challenges of verifying image authenticity and proposing potential solutions. These include implementing digital signatures, trusted certificates with distributed registration, and a persistent identifier system to establish and maintain trust in research visuals.
Findings reveal that while technical solutions exist, challenges around standards, governance, and community buy-in remain. For any system to work, it must be widely accessible and accepted by all stakeholders.
STM will host Integrity Day in London on December 4, 2024, where the report’s findings will be discussed. Further discussions are planned at the Researcher to Reader Conference in February 2025, with STM set to release a summary and next steps in spring 2025.
Download the full report and join the movement towards enhancing research integrity.
Click here to read the original press release.
