Open science and transparency are our strongest tools in the fight against fraudulent publishing activities.

Lumbard, Helen; Routledge, Daniel · PLoS Med · 2025

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

Systematic fraud threatens the integrity of science, with paper and review mills distorting the evidence base in medicine and global health. Data transparency-once seen mainly as a driver of discovery-must now be recognized as a frontline defense against misconduct. Only through open data and coordinated action can we safeguard trust in research and its impact on health.

Medical subject headings