Science integrity has been never more important: It's all about trust

For the past year, we have been experiencing a global pandemic. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV2) virus, has broadly demonstrated how fragile our societies are when it comes to unexpected health challenges, and important research scientific information are. More than million people worldwide lost their lives so far due this viral infection. Fortunately, efforts in search for effective vaccines appear succeeded, can hope real improvement year. experimental approaches aimed at developing successful all innovative science-driven. In most countries, scientists, many of them virologists, epidemiologists, immunologists, or experts infectious disease, become influential partners politicians, driving course decision-making, with aim preventing virus spread protecting us. So see that not only governments, but also scientists guiding us through advice helping on daily basis. prerequisite general acceptance facts is trust science integrity. Science based facts—scientific hypotheses formulated challenged measures generate answers. This straightforward process, different opinions discussion, valid challenges discourse lie heart guarantee its progress. During COVID-19 received huge attention earned special status. As result efforts, numerous molecular cellular studies, as well clinical data, SARS-CoV2 published wide variety journals, including highly ones. Since need into new was pressing, some these papers were speedy, perhaps cases, too superficial peer review process lacked an in-depth countercheck. could be expected those “Corona papers” keep promise: data either under intensive they even already retracted. issue clearly underlines, more ever, overall high-quality performance ensure quality science, discussed, example, Ledford van Noorden,1 stated Soltani Patini2: “The publishing parties must mind swiftly erroneous helpful medical community ongoing battle COVID-19. What actually (possibly any time) correct, meticulous, unbiased passed rigorous critical appraisal methods community.” Independent referees evaluation publications work hard secure standards. But immense increase number submissions recent years, hard(er) get support from referees, whom overloaded reviewing work. addition, increasing numbers submissions, manuscripts showing flaws manipulations unfortunately increases. It very difficult, almost impossible, expert referee identify misconduct, especially implemented professional image editing software. Scientific mistakes, manipulations, fraud phenomenon, around just long has. However, journals target multiple attempts fraud, partly orchestrated called “paper mill offices” make living out manipulating constructing mass-producing fraudulent submission. problem recognized noted Byrne Christopher,3 which states “Paper mills alleged offer products ranging ghostwritten fabricated submission services.” identifies frequent patterns fraud. Journal Cellular Biochemistry (JCB) received, unknowingly articles generated such mills.” Coming Editor-in-Chief June 2020, I joined forces Wiley editorial office teams tackle problem. result, stringent check possible manipulation key part journal's workflow. suspicious being checked retracted if found. Currently, 137 articles, between 2017 show manipulation. represents 3.7% journal during time-span. We investigating according Committee Publications Ethics (COPE) guidelines, checks, contacting authors involved. 23 investigations completed resulting retractions; remaining still investigation. By retractions, want publication standards maintained journal, correct record. critically research, who will continue publish JCB. There other changes journal. A team Executive Editors formed, Editorial Board revised; members invited, selected expertise shape renewed scope Together, installed effort detect deliberate thus separate good problematic papers. defined aims launched author guidelines strong focus internationally accepted reporting policy aligned COPE. Raw underlying images displayed article requested submission, before final checks help If questions arise asked explanation. Being core means alert raising doubts necessary, or, put pointed words Descartes, “Everything doubted.” JCB live implement daily, available measures, idea integrity essential benefit science. Editor-in-Chief, having field my side Editors, feel now set times, reflect importance trust. authors, working team, quick collegial experience, timely, fair, it's reputation all. welcome fit planning initiatives. first step, Special Issues focussing topics interest, curated guest editors field. series scheduled summer 2021 highlights co-chaperone BAG3. call meet JCB's Watch calls come, free contact [email protected] suggestions focussed your expertise. renowned platform starting 50 years ago. With restructuring renewal striving future, together readers, dedicated high biochemistry