In line with China's emphasis on research integrity, the Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant departments have launched a special campaign to crack down on misconduct in academic papers, according to an announcement issued Wednesday on the ministry's official WeChat account.

The campaign primarily targets retracted papers published by Chinese scholars in international journals within the natural sciences. It will conduct rigorous investigations and take appropriate actions against behaviors such as plagiarism, data or image fabrication or falsification, paper trading, and the fabrication of fictitious peer-review experts and review opinions, the announcement said.

The results of these investigations and subsequent actions will be publicized to enhance the deterrent effect and serve as a warning to others. Severe cases will be recorded in the database of scientific research misconduct in accordance with laws and regulations. This database will be referenced in project applications, academician selections, and the awarding of scientific and technological prizes, it said.

The announcement also proposed establishing a long-term governance mechanism to continuously monitor academic misconduct in retracted papers, with the Ministry of Science and Technology taking the lead.

Relevant departments and local science and technology authorities are required to establish and enhance their working mechanisms, strengthen oversight of institutions with frequent academic misconduct in retracted papers, and ensure these institutions fulfill their primary responsibilities.

A proactive prevention mechanism for scientific research misconduct will be refined. The announcement said that verified cases of misconduct will be strictly handled. The process will integrate scientific research integrity education and training, using investigations to promote education, reform, and management. This approach aims to enhance researchers' integrity awareness and encourage them to actively resist scientific research misconduct.

Institutions that conceal, make concessions to, cover up, or condone scientific research misconduct by their researchers will face severe consequences once verified, it added.

This special campaign, along with the establishment of the long-term mechanism, aims to significantly improve the academic integrity environment in China's scientific research field, promoting the healthy and sustainable development of scientific research activities, the announcement noted.