CAS, Taylor & Francis launch research integrity committee

The National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Taylor & Francis have established an advisory committee. the collaboration is designed to strengthen their Research Integrity Joint Laboratory.

The new committee will tackle critical research integrity issues and emerging risks within both the Chinese and global publishing sectors. Originally established in December 2023, the Joint Lab promotes trust in scholarly publishing. It achieves this through strengthened governance systems and practice-driven research.

A multi-stakeholder approach to research integrity

This development serves as significant publishing news for those monitoring the relationship between Western publishers and Chinese institutions. The advisory committee brings together a diverse group of experts. These include specialists in research integrity, representatives from research authorities, and professionals from across the scholarly publishing sector.

This multi-stakeholder approach reflects a collaborative governance model. It is designed specifically to address the complex integrity challenges currently facing the academic community. Furthermore, the committee will focus on emerging risks. It aims to support new initiatives in institutional design, governance mechanisms, and implementation pathways.

Developing global consensus and guidelines

A primary goal for the committee is the development of consensus-based outcomes. These will lead to practical guidelines that inform policy and guide best practices across the industry. Additionally, the group will contribute to the creation of international rules and standards.

The partnership aims to strengthen governance capacity while promoting international exchange. By fostering cooperation, the committee hopes to harmonise research integrity standards between different regions.
Jason Hu, Director of Research Integrity Engagement at Taylor & Francis, highlighted the need for this initiative. He noted that a recent survey of Chinese researchers revealed that understanding of ethical practices requires significant improvement. “The Joint Lab therefore has a key role to play in supporting the Chinese academic community,” Hu said. “It helps researchers prioritise integrity and trust in research and publishing.”

Addressing emerging risks in the AI era

As the industry faces new challenges from generative AI and paper mills, this committee provides a vital layer of oversight. The expertise within the group will help identify “red flags” in the submission process before they become systemic issues.

“The new advisory committee brings together expertise from a range of specialisms to advance this important work,” Hu added. “We’re grateful to all of the respected colleagues who have joined the committee. We look forward to partnering with them on this project.”