Celebrating Publication Integrity Week 2024 with FASEB Journals

Monday, November 18, 2024

As we kick off Publication Integrity Week 2024, running from November 18-22, FASEB Journals are proud to join the global conversation on advancing ethical standards in scientific publishing. This week, led by COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), brings together voices from across the research and publishing spectrum to discuss the critical challenges and best practices that ensure trust and integrity in scholarly communications. 

COPE’s mission to educate and support everyone involved in publication ethics is aligned with FASEB Journals’ commitment to high standards of integrity. Through our partnership with Wiley, FASEB Journals are proud members of COPE and adhere to their guidelines and principles. We take a proactive approach in fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the research publishing process. 

The topics of Publication Integrity Week 2024, focus on crucial challenges in the publishing world, including plagiarism, collaborative efforts to address misconduct, the evolving landscape of publication ethics, the growing threat of paper mills, and the importance of data. Here’s how FASEB Journals are tackling these issues: 

Plagiarism: Prioritizing Originality and Accountability

FASEB Journals are vigilant in maintaining originality in the content we publish. Every submission undergoes rigorous plagiarism checks to identify text recycling or duplication. By employing advanced tools and following industry best practices, we ensure that authors are held accountable and that the scientific record remains untarnished. 

Working Together: Collaboration in Misconduct Investigations

Ethical challenges, such as cases of suspected misconduct, require collaboration between journals and institutions. At FASEB, we take these investigations seriously, maintaining confidentiality while working closely with institutions. If an author fails to respond or provides an inadequate response during an investigation, we prioritize institutional findings, ensuring a thorough and fair process. This approach reinforces a commitment to integrity in research and publishing. 

The Future of Publication Ethics: Adapting for Tomorrow

The landscape of publication ethics is rapidly changing, with new challenges and technologies emerging every day. FASEB Journals are committed to staying ahead of the curve as best as possible. We’ve renewed our focus on maintaining trust in our publications by leveraging innovative technologies to streamline routine checks. From plagiarism detection to ethical compliance, we are continuously evolving to ensure that our practices align with the highest standards of publication integrity. 

Paper Mills: Combatting Manipulated Research

In response to the growing issue of paper mills—where fraudulent papers are generated for profit—FASEB Journals have implemented robust screening processes. Every submission is subject to stringent checks, and we are continuously adapting our methods to address this evolving threat. By staying vigilant, we ensure that only sound and ethical research finds its way into our journals. 

Data Integrity: Enhancing Transparency through Data Sharing

FASEB Journals are dedicated to promoting open science and data transparency. Through our partnership with Dryad, an open data publishing platform, we support the curation, sharing, and reuse of research data. Authors can deposit their data for free, which not only helps them comply with funder requirements but also enhances the reproducibility and transparency of their research. This collaboration ensures that data is preserved and accessible long after publication, contributing to the greater good of scientific progress. 

At FASEB Journals, integrity is not just a guideline—it’s a core value. We believe that ethical publishing practices are fundamental to advancing biological and biomedical research and maintaining the public’s trust in science. As we celebrate Publication Integrity Week 2024, we remain steadfast in our mission to support researchers, uphold transparency, and foster a culture of ethical publishing for future generations. 

Learn more about publishing with The FASEB Journal and FASEB BioAdvances.