YOUR GO-TO INTELLIGENCE RESOURCE FOR THE SCHOLARLY PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

Increased instances of fraudulent research are affecting the academic publishing community. Following successful pilots, Springer Nature is rolling out two new bespoke AI tools to support the identification of papers that contain AI-generated fake content and/or problematic images - two indicators of research integrity issues.

Developed with Slimmer AI Science division, which Springer Nature acquired in 2023, Geppetto, detects AI-generated content, a classic indication of paper mill activity.

Geppetto works by dividing the paper up into sections and using its algorithms to check the consistency of the text in each section. The sections are then given a score based on the probability that the text in them has been AI-generated. The higher the score, the greater the probability of there being problems, initiating a human check by Springer Nature staff. Geppetto is already responsible for identifying hundreds of fake papers soon after submission, preventing them from being published – and from taking up editors’ and peer reviewers’ valuable time.

SnappShot, also developed in-house, is an AI-assisted image integrity analysis tool. Currently used to analyze PDF files containing gel and blot images and look for duplications in those image types – another known integrity problem within the industry – this will be expanded to cover additional image types and integrity problems and speed up checks on papers.

As with Geppetto, SnappShot does not decide on whether a submission should progress through to the next stage of the editorial process but provides a signal as to whether human assessment of the images is needed. The tool not only helps to avoid publishing duplicated or manipulated data but also supports good feedback for authors on their figures, for example where figures have been inadvertently duplicated, encouraging higher standards of research practice and data management.

These AI tools are two of a number currently being developed in-house as part of Springer Nature’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the integrity of the content it publishes, which includes investment in a rapidly growing, expert team and extensive technology development. Springer Nature is also committed to ongoing collaborative work with the wider publishing community as a contributing organization in the STM Integrity Hub, which facilitates knowledge and data exchange and develops shared technology tools.