Safeguarding the scientific record: Taking action after a research integrity investigation

Author: Charlie Crerer

Research Integrity Advisor

Research integrity concerns are carefully and holistically investigated by the Resolutions team, part of Springer Nature’s Research Integrity Group. But what happens after the investigation is concluded? Who makes the final decision regarding a paper that has been investigated? In a special video, the Resolutions team explain what actions can be taken after a research integrity investigation, and share about their work to safeguard the scientific record. 

After concluding their investigation of a research integrity concern, the Resolutions team compiles its findings and recommendation on an editorial action. This, along with any replies and additional information from the author, is then forwarded to the relevant editor-in-chief.  

As an advisory body, the Resolutions team is committed to the principles of editorial independence, and the final decision on what action to take following a research integrity investigation is reached by the editor-in-chief of the publication. 

Deciding on an action following a research integrity investigation takes time and collaboration between many parties that work together to ensure that everything is considered in order to reach the best decision.

Watch the video to hear the Resolutions team explain about actions that may be taken after an investigation, the use of retractions and retraction notices to correct the scientific record, and what happens to articles when they are retracted:

How are research integrity concerns investigated? Find out about the Resolution team’s work to holistically and thoroughly investigate any concerns regarding the research integrity of publication. And learn more about research integrity at Springer Nature.