Frontiers, a publisher with over 200 journals, has retracted 122 articles across five journals due to an investigation finding a network of authors and editors engaging in “unethical actions” such as manipulating citations and reviewing papers without disclosing conflicts of interest. The investigation also linked more than 4,000 articles published in other publishers’ journals to this same network.
The publisher’s research integrity team identified the misconduct through an artificial intelligence review system that now includes verification of reviewers’ and handling editors’ conflict of interest statements. The team found that a broad and sophisticated network of around 35 authors were potentially colluding over multiple journals and publications.
The retractions, which began on July 28, affect papers published in various Frontiers journals, including Energy Research, Environmental Science, and Psychology. Most of the affected articles were published in 2022. The investigation was sparked by a reader’s tip about undisclosed conflicts of interest in peer review, and the team found that some authors and reviewers had previously coauthored papers together.
The publisher is taking steps to improve its research integrity, including sharing details of the investigation with other publishers and enhancing its artificial intelligence review system. However, critics argue that the issue is not solely the responsibility of individual publishers but also a broader problem within the scientific community. Some argue that scientists must be more vigilant in reviewing papers and citing sources accurately.
The case highlights the need for better oversight and accountability within academic publishing, particularly when it comes to conflicts of interest and peer review. As one commenter noted, preventing such misconduct can be challenging due to the lack of incentives for publishers to act as gatekeepers, leaving the door open for predatory publishers to exploit this system for profit.
The controversy also raises concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in academic publishing, with some arguing that it cannot replace human judgment and expertise. Critics also point out that the industry’s focus on inclusivity and diversity can sometimes lead to a lack of competence and excellence among editors and reviewers.
Source: https://retractionwatch.com/2025/07/29/frontiers-retract-122-articles-links-thousands-other-publishers-journals-to-unethical-network