In the media | Research Professional News: “Retractions for honest mistakes ‘should be celebrated'”

posted on Jun 4, 2026
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How do we strengthen trust in the scholarly record at a time of rapid technological change and increasing pressures on researchers?

In an interview with Research Professional News, STM CEO Caroline Sutton discusses the need for a more constructive culture around research retractions. She urges for clearer distinctions between honest mistakes and “manipulative” behaviour.

She discusses:

  • Why “honourable” retractions should be celebrated, not stigmatised
  • The rise of AI‑generated and manipulated images in submissions
  • Growing risks around identity manipulation in digital publishing
  • The need for inclusive, globally workable verification systems
  • Why safeguarding a trusted scholarly record is a collective responsibility

Read the full interview: “Retractions for honest mistakes ‘should be celebrated'”

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