Taylor & Francis trials Proofig software to help detect image duplication

Taylor & Francis has announced the beginning of a 6-month pilot of Proofig image integrity software, as part of an ongoing program to prevent image duplication and manipulation in academic journal articles.

Image duplication or manipulation is a serious form of misconduct which involves inappropriately duplicating, manipulating, or fabricating images. Even where image duplication has occurred due to honest error, this still damages the integrity of the scholarly record, and corrective action needs to be taken urgently.

Proofig software uses artificial intelligence, computer vision and image processing to analyze figures and report on potential examples of duplication for further review. During the trial Proofig will be available to the Taylor & Francis Publishing Ethics and Integrity Team alongside other tools, including manual checking by trained staff.

Dr Sabina Alam, Director of Publishing Ethics and Integrity at Taylor & Francis explained, “Image manipulation and inappropriate duplication of images pollutes the scholarly record and undermines trust in published research. This is an issue we take extremely seriously, which is why we’re exploring innovative technologies that may assist with detecting it. We’re looking forward to seeing how Proofig can help.”

Further reading

Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies: images and figures