There is a ¡°widespread lack of clarity¡± about ethical publishing practices among researchers in China, including the use of paper mills, a new survey has found.?

China¡¯s research output has risen significantly in recent years, but a new study has identified ¡°high levels of uncertainty¡± about research misconduct in the country, including among students.?

In particular, undergraduates who are actively publishing articles commonly have ¡°limited access¡± to training about research ethics, by the National Science Library at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and publisher Taylor & Francis.??

The organisations conducted a survey of 1,777 researchers, librarians and students from undergraduate to PhD level in China to assess their awareness of different types of publishing misconduct.?

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Of these, 55 per cent had access to training in research integrity and publishing ethics.?

The study, published in the Journal of Data and Information Science, found that while ¡°many researchers¡± use third-party manuscript preparation and editing services, there is ¡°limited knowledge¡± about how to distinguish between legitimate and unethical services.

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¡°This is highly concerning as we are aware that bad actors, such as paper mills, offer their services under a similar label,¡± say the authors.?

The results also show a higher proportion of undergraduates deem unethical services to be acceptable than more senior researchers.?

The survey responses ¡°indicate [undergraduates] have a lower level of awareness of basic publishing ethics principles,¡± the authors write, adding that this means they ¡°are more vulnerable to exploitation by bad actors, as well as more likely to commit unintentional misconduct¡±.?

Responses to the survey indicate that, where training does take place, it has a ¡°positive impact¡± on levels of awareness of misconduct, understanding of basic publishing ethics and research integrity principles.?

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However, there were still areas of confusion among all respondents, suggesting current training ¡°may not be sufficient¡±.?

¡°In addition, there are uneven levels of training across all cohorts, with higher levels of support being available to more experienced researchers compared to undergraduates,¡± the authors write.?

The study recommends that undergraduates receive training ¡°early in their careers¡±, while calling on universities to ensure it is clear who is responsible for research integrity within institutions and departments.?

China has increasingly cracked down on publishing misconduct as the country¡¯s research output has increased, including banning researchers accused of plagiarism from participating in government-funded projects.

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¡°The findings of our survey highlight the urgent need for training for students and researchers at all levels in China, a finding which we believe to be applicable to many students and researchers across the world,¡± said Sabina Alam, director of publishing ethics and integrity at Taylor & Francis.?

¡°Until then, the knowledge gaps we¡¯ve discovered leave researchers vulnerable to exploitation by unethical organisations, such as paper mills, and many may unknowingly engage in misconduct.¡±

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helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com