Phuc Van Pham, VNUHCM-US Stem Cell Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Journal Citation Reports 2025: Addressing retractions and strengthening research integrity
From 2025 (2024 data), citations to and from retracted articles will no longer contribute towards the Journal Impact Factor.
Ever since scientists began to communicate the results of their work, they have had to revise and correct their findings, with the first retraction recorded as early as 1756. Articles are retracted for many reasons – ranging from honest mistakes to intentional manipulation – but whatever the reason, retractions play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. They serve as a mechanism for self-correction, ensuring that erroneous or fraudulent results or conclusions do not mislead the public, the scientific community or policy makers – creating an unsound foundation for future discoveries, policies or behavior.