Reckoning with Retractions in Research Funding Reviews: The Case of China

Shaoxiong Brian Xu and Guangwei Hu ()
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Shaoxiong Brian Xu: School of Foreign Studies, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang 438000, China
Guangwei Hu: Department of English and Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China

Publications, 2025, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-28

Abstract: China’s retraction crisis has raised concerns about research integrity and accountability within its scientific community and beyond. To address this issue, we proposed in an earlier publication that Chinese research funders incorporate retraction records into the evaluation of research funding applications by establishing a retraction-based review system. This review system would debar researchers with retraction records from applying for funding for a specified period. However, our earlier proposal lacked practical guidance on how to operationalize such a review system. In this article, we expand on our proposal by fleshing out the proposed ten debarment determinants and offering a framework for quantifying the duration of funding ineligibility. Additionally, we outline the critical steps for implementing the retraction-based review system, address the major challenges to its effective and sustainable adoption, and propose viable solutions to these challenges. Finally, we discuss the benefits of implementing the review system, emphasizing its potential to strengthen research integrity and foster a culture of accountability in the Chinese academic community.

Keywords: retraction crisis; research funder; research funding review; research integrity; punishment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A2 D83 L82 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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