A new tool launched by Proofig AI aims to protect the integrity of scientific research by helping institutions avoid self-plagiarism, a growing issue that has led to a significant number of retractions in academic publishing. Named MyDatabase, the feature allows researchers to store both published and unpublished images in a secure, private repository, automatically screening new manuscripts to detect unintentional reuse of their own work.
Self-plagiarism, where researchers reuse their own previously published material without proper citation, has become a notable concern. A study published in the journal Accountability in Research found that self-plagiarism accounted for 25% of all retracted papers between 2001 and 2022. Of those, 46 per cent were retracted due to image duplication. The research highlighted biomedical sciences, medicine, chemistry, and biology as the most affected fields, noting that self-plagiarised manuscripts often involve multiple authors.
MyDatabase addresses this issue by enabling users to upload a range of research documents, including previously published papers, grant applications, and conference posters. These are indexed and referenced for future checks, ensuring new submissions are free from unintended reuse. The system integrates seamlessly with Proofig AI’s existing framework, which already screens images for duplication, alteration, manipulation, and plagiarism of others’ work.
“The prominence of self-plagiarism underscores the need for proactive detection tools to be included into researchers’ workflows,” said Dr Dror Kolodkin-Gal, co-founder of Proofig AI. “We have developed a first-of-its-kind repository that allows users to thoroughly screen their work, offering protection that goes beyond existing open-access tools.”
While self-plagiarism is often unintentional, its consequences can be severe, leading to retractions that damage the reputations of both researchers and their institutions. By providing real-time, automated checks, MyDatabase aims to mitigate these risks, offering a safeguard that operates continuously as researchers prepare new manuscripts.
Proofig AI, based in Rehovot, Israel, was founded by experts in life science research, computer vision, and artificial intelligence. The company focuses on creating accessible AI solutions to enhance the quality and integrity of scientific publications. Its automated software is designed to streamline review processes, helping journals, publishers, and research institutions maintain high standards. According to its website, Proofig AI has already been adopted by leading academic publishers to verify image integrity before publication.
At present, MyDatabase is available exclusively to enterprise clients within research institutions. Proofig AI has stated that the tool is part of its broader mission to support the scientific community in upholding ethical publishing practices.
