7 field-notes posts in Research integrity and ethics

Research integrity and ethics

12 May 2026

What is a conflict of interest within the context of scientific publishing?

A conflict of interest in scientific publishing exists when personal, financial, or professional relationships could influence, or be perceived to influence, the objectivity of research, peer review, or editorial decisions. The Frontiers Conflict of interest policy requires all authors and members of editorial boards to disclose their actual and potential conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest, sometimes known as competing interests and often shortened to COIs, are part of everyday academic life. Researchers collaborate, receive funding, consult for industry, sit on advisory boards, and build long-term professional networks. None of this is inherently problematic.

Research integrity and ethics

28 Apr 2026

Common mistakes in publishing: copyrighted materials

Submitting a research paper can feel like the final step in a long research journey. After months or years of work, the manuscript is finally ready for submission. But during the production stage of publishing, many manuscripts encounter the same avoidable problem: the incorrect use of images, figures, or other copyrighted materials. For early-career researchers in particular, copyright rules can be confusing. Many mistakes happen because authors assume that materials found online are free to reuse.

Research integrity and ethics

24 Apr 2026

AI literacy for researchers: how to use AI responsibly without compromising your work

Artificial intelligence is already transforming every part of the research process. Increasing numbers of researchers are integrating AI into their everyday workflows, yet many remain uncertain about how to use these tools both responsibly and to their full potential. AI literacy, knowing when to use these tools, when not to, and how to stay accountable for the output, is becoming a core research skill. We spoke with Simone Ragavooloo, Research Integrity Portfolio Manager at Frontiers, about why it matters and how researchers can protect both their own work and the credibility of science.

Research integrity and ethics

16 Mar 2026

What do journal editors do? A guide for researchers

When you submit a manuscript to an academic journal, its scientific evaluation is controlled almost entirely by other researchers. Publisher workflows and industry standards govern peer review, but the people assessing your work are working scientists. They volunteer their expertise to evaluate, improve, and ultimately decide what gets published. Understanding who these people are and how they work can change the way you approach the submission and peer review process. It can help you interpret decisions, respond more effectively to feedback, and see where editorial work fits within the broader research ecosystem.

Research integrity and ethics

11 Feb 2026

Whistleblowing in the academic community

In research and publishing, whistleblowing is the act of reporting suspected misconduct or systemic practices that threaten the integrity, reliability, or trustworthiness of the scholarly record.

Research integrity and ethics

15 Dec 2025

AI in peer review: what early-career researchers should know (and how to use it wisely)

For early-career researchers, AI has become part of everyday work, whether in drafting manuscripts, organizing ideas, or exploring literature. A survey of 1,645 active researchers, conducted by Frontiers, reveals that 87% of early-career researchers already use AI tools, far more than any other career stage.

Research integrity and ethics

04 Nov 2025

Is your social media research ethical? Here’s what you need to know

Social media has transformed how we connect and is increasingly transforming how we conduct research. With billions of users sharing experiences, opinions, and behavior in real time, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok have become treasure troves of information for understanding human communication, health trends, and social dynamics.