The journal received multiple complaints from two ‘whistleblowers’ in country A regarding the methodology presented in an article published in 2021. The Editors began an investigation into the paper, using evidence provided by the whistleblowers. The Editors felt that based on the provided evidence, an investigation should be carried out. The authors, who were also from country A, were made aware of the fact their article was under investigation, as the journal needed to request underlying data for the investigation. They were not given any details regarding the complainants.
The authors provided the data via email, and at the same time indicated there was a conflict with a coauthor over a personal issue which they were currently resolving. None of the whistleblowers was listed as a coauthor on the paper under investigation.
The journal later received retractions of the complaints from both whistleblowers, one of whom explained that they were receiving pressure from their own institution to do so, and were at risk of losing their job.
The journal has opted to continue the investigation, given the Editors had already looked into the paper and felt an investigation was warranted.
Questions for the Forum
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What would the Forum recommend as the process when complaints are withdrawn?
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Does the Forum have any recommendations regarding what could be done for protection of whistleblowers?
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Does the Forum have any guidance as to next steps?
Journals are obliged to pursue a complaint once made as they have been made aware that there is a potential problem with the article. It is therefore not possible for authors to retract and halt the process and the editors are correct to continue with their investigation. However, there are several mitigations that can be taken to protect them. First, the individuals who raised the concern can inform their institution that they have withdrawn their complaint, even if the journal is still obliged to investigate. Second, the journal can state that they are keeping the identity of the source anonymous in order to protect them. Ultimately, however, it is the integrity of the article which is the editor’s key concern.