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. 2021 Jan;28(1):47-53.
doi: 10.1080/08989621.2020.1782203. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

An alarming retraction rate for scientific publications on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Nicole Shu Ling Yeo-Teh  1 , Bor Luen Tang  1   2
Affiliations

An alarming retraction rate for scientific publications on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Nicole Shu Ling Yeo-Teh et al. Account Res. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has triggered a flurry of associated research publications, numbering to ~137 papers a day since February 2020. This rate of publication appears to be exceptionally high, when compared to research papers published on other similar topics. Searches of COVID-19-associated publications on PubMed and Retraction Watch Database indicate that the retraction record appearance rate for COVID-19-related research is also exceptionally high compared to other related research topics in viral epidemics/pandemics and surpasses the basal level of about 4 in 10,000 papers. This finding serves as a reminder and caution against any lapses in the standard of work, peer review, and publication of COVID-19-related research.

Keywords: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); pandemic; research ethics; retractions.

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