Researchers in Australia have retracted a 2020 nanotechnology study after their institution’s research integrity office found the paper had misappropriated the work of undergraduate students at their school.

According to the retraction notice, the study stated the data belonged to an industry consulting project when in fact they originated from undergraduate work. The study also included data from interviews undergraduates had conducted with the public without ethics approval, the retraction notice states.

According to the spokesperson, the authors contacted the Journal of Cleaner Production (title of Elsevier) to retract the paper in August 2023, and in December 2023, the University of Sydney also reached out to the publication to support the authors’ decision.

 
Source https://retractionwatch.com/2025/04/03/misappropriation-of-undergraduate-work-leads-to-study-retraction/

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