Sleuths, investigators, data detectives, whistleblowers...there are many names used for researchers who raise concerns about published content, and these individuals are often indefatigable defenders of the scholarly record. Instances of people spotting inconsistencies or problems with text, data and images and bringing them to the attention of publishers, authors, and editors have increased massively in recent years. Ultimately, publishers and whistleblowers have the same goal – to ensure that problematic publications are corrected or retracted and that the integrity of science is maintained. To help researchers better understand how they can work with Editors to raise concerns, we have a new course: Working Effectively with Whistleblowers. 

Given Springer Nature's commitment to publishing with integrity, we take the view that anyone who flags problems we may have missed is very much appreciated, and we want to investigate any concerns raised – so rest assured that we want to hear from you. 

Before we look at what the course covers, try the scenario below and check your understanding of how whistleblowing works! 

Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply. 

A: Editors should always immediately pass any concerns raised by whistleblowers to the Legal department. 
B: Whistleblowers can be anonymous, pseudonymous or named. 
C: Publishers only need to investigate whistleblower concerns if they are raised formally via email to the journal Editors. 
D: Whistleblower concerns should always be raised directly with the authors of the article(s) concerned before proceeding.  
E: Concerns raised by whistleblowers can range from relatively minor through to major concerns with integrity that may require retraction. 

[Image: a silver whistle on a yellow cord against a white background]  

The correct answers are B and E! You can raise concerns anonymously or pseudonymously if you prefer. Equally, Springer Nature welcomes all concerns about our published content, big or small.  

To look specifically at the wrong answers above: 

• the Legal department is only contacted for a subset of concerns which involve legal matters; 

• concerns may be raised by multiple routes including post-publication review sites, social media, and other indirect methods; 

• concerns may not be raised with the authors if the whistleblower is concerned that the authors would not be receptive, or if they involve concerns about integrity in some way. 

Our new course, which is free to take, and offers a certificate for completion, was developed to help Editors understand better how to work effectively with whistleblowers. As a researcher and reader your specific expertise may enable you to identify problems more easily, and this course can help you raise those concerns in a productive and efficient manner, leading to rapid correction of the scholarly record whenever needed.  

Please do take this course yourself and share with any others who may find it useful!