Research integrity in the age of open access and AI: The view from France

Author: Denis Duran

Director, Customer Engagement

AI introduces new integrity challenges in research publishing, while open access (OA) can amplify the exposure to AI-generated or manipulated content. How can the research ecosystem safeguard trust in science in this era of OA and AI? To explore this question, a roundtable discussion brought together voices from an academic institution, a library, and a publisher. In this blog we share insights from the discussion, which underscored the need for robust guidelines and strong collaboration among all stakeholders to maintain trust in research.

Research integrity is the adherence to ethical principles and academic rigour in conducting and reporting scientific research, in order to maintain trust in science. With the increasing adoption of OA publishing and the growing use of AI, maintaining research integrity is becoming more critical and increasingly complex. OA increases the reach of research, making trust more important than ever. And while AI holds substantial benefits for research, it also raises questions about authorship, reproducibility, and ethics.

A roundtable discussion concluding the webinar ‘Open access and research integrity’ examined how integrity can be maintained in this evolving landscape, from a distinctly French perspective.

The discussion offered a holistic view on navigating the challenges of this era, with insights from an academic institution, a library, and a publisher:

• Alexandrine Cheronet, Publishing Director for Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Chemistry, Springer Nature
• Michel Dubois, Research Director at CNRS and Head of the French Office for Scientific Integrity (OFIS), as well as Director of the Group for Sociological Method Analysis at Sorbonne
• Sébastien Perrin, Director of the Library at École des Mines de Paris (PSL)
• Moderator: Chérifa Boukacem-Zeghmouri, Professor of Information and Communication Sciences at Claude Bernard University Lyon

The panellists explored what integrity means today and how policies, training, and technologies must adapt. By representing key stakeholders across the research ecosystem, they underscored why collaboration among publishers, institutions, and libraries is essential to maintaining research integrity in an era shaped by OA and AI.

Defining research integrity amid evolving practices

The roundtable discussion opened with Michel Dubois presenting the French legal definition of research integrity: Integrity is the set of rules and values that must govern research activities to guarantee honesty and rigour.

While this definition provides a foundation, its application varies across disciplines. This flexibility, Dubois noted, demands collaboration between all stakeholders (researchers, institutions, publishers and libraries), to ensure consistency and trust.

Strengthening Dubois’ perspective, Alexandrine Cheronet emphasised that publishers work closely with the scientific community to define and update codes of conduct. These codes guide authors, editors, and reviewers through ethical practices, from submission to publication. Integrity is dynamic, she explained, and Springer Nature’s standards therefore evolve alongside technology and global research practices.

Building trust in AI for research workflows

Generative AI is reshaping research workflows, from literature reviews to manuscript preparation. While these tools offer speed and efficiency, they raise critical questions about authorship, reproducibility, and ethical use. Cheronet explained how Springer Nature integrates AI into editorial workflows under strict governance, using it for tasks like quality checks and metadata management. However, she stressed that human oversight remains essential: AI can assist, but it cannot replace the judgment and expertise of editors and reviewers.

Advocating for transparency in algorithms and data sources, Perrin called for “trusted AI tools” that go beyond the black box. He warned that without clear standards, the research ecosystem risks introducing bias and undermining confidence in scholarly outputs.

Strengthening peer review through transparency

Peer review remains the cornerstone of quality assurance. The panel discussed various approaches such as open peer review and post-publication commentary, which aim to increase transparency. Despite these innovations, Dubois observed that peer review, while imperfect, continues to be perceived as providing a critical layer of scrutiny. 

Cheronet added that vigilance is essential to detect anomalies, such as AI-generated reviews or unusually rapid turnaround times. Libraries also play a role here in supporting researchers, for instance by clarifying evolving evaluation practices.

Driving cultural change through integrity training

Training emerged as a recurring theme throughout the discussion. While doctoral programs increasingly include mandatory integrity training, Dubois warned that senior researchers and supervisors often lack awareness of these principles. The trainers must also be trained, he explained, noting that cultural change requires engagement at all career stages.

Perrin described how libraries deliver training on citation ethics, plagiarism prevention, and data management. However, he acknowledged challenges in formal recognition of these trainings within academic structures.

Cheronet emphasised the need for global harmonisation, as publishers operate across diverse regulatory environments. The goal, she said, is to provide clear, accessible resources that support ethical research practices everywhere.

Building trust through ethical correction practices

Retractions often come to mind when research integrity is discussed. Dubois argued that retractions should be viewed not as punitive measures but as part of a virtuous cycle of scientific self-correction. Similarly, Springer Nature's Head of Research Integrity, Resolutions, Tim Kersjes, has argued that retractions are an effective corrective to the scholarly record, and should not carry a negative stigma.

The Springer Nature Research Integrity Group investigates every integrity concern thoroughly, and takes action once the investigation has concluded. Cheronet noted that Springer Nature has improved transparency in retraction notices.  It is investing efforts to make unethical practices unattractive and impractical, while supporting researchers in doing the right thing.

Practical steps to supporting research integrity

Research integrity continues to advance alongside the evolution of research. The rise of open science and AI brings exciting opportunities to refine policies, technologies, and practices. Collaboration among publishers, institutions, and libraries will strengthen trust and transparency across the global research ecosystem.

The roundtable discussion highlighted practical steps that empower every stakeholder to play a role in strengthening trust and transparency:

• Researchers: Embrace best practices for citation, data sharing, and responsible AI use.
• Libraries: Position themselves as leaders in integrity education and data governance.
• Institutions: Extend integrity training beyond doctoral students to include supervisors and senior staff.
• Publishers: Enhance transparency in workflows, corrections, and AI-assisted processes.

As each stakeholder contributes in their own way, these combined efforts move us toward a research ecosystem built on trust, transparency, and genuine partnership. When everyone takes part, it becomes easier to navigate new technologies, adapt to evolving expectations, and support ethical research practices across the board. Little by little, these shared commitments help strengthen a culture that is both resilient and forward‑looking.

If you’re interested in exploring these topics further, you can find more insights on how Springer Nature approaches research integrity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. It’s a great way to see how these principles are being put into practice and how they continue to evolve in step with the global research community.

Related content:

• AI in research and publishing: What institutions need to know from KRAF 2025
• How libraries and publishers are shaping the future of AI in research
• Exploring AI with research librarians at Charleston
• Exploring AI futures in libraries with the Futurescape Workshop community
• Navigating research integrity in the age of AI

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