Organized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, this workshop seeks to address critical issues related to research and data integrity in the social and behavioral sciences. The two-day event brings together key stakeholders, including journal editors, publishers, researchers, funding agencies, and scientific association leaders, to explore systematic approaches for strengthening research integrity.

Scientific credibility relies on transparency, reproducibility, and trust in the research process. While the social and behavioral sciences have made significant strides in promoting open science practices — such as preregistration and data sharing — recent high-profile cases of data misconduct highlight ongoing vulnerabilities. Currently, the detection of fraudulent or erroneous data often relies on individual whistleblowers or small, independent research groups rather than formal, systematic mechanisms. This workshop will examine evidence-based strategies to improve data monitoring, enhance institutional policies, and foster a culture of accountability within the scientific community.

Key questions to be explored include:

• How can the social and behavioral sciences strengthen data integrity beyond current best practices?
• Should scientific journals revise their policies to bolster data validation and integrity?
• Can systematic audits of published research help identify honest mistakes and misconduct, and if so, how should such efforts be governed and sustained?
• What lessons can be drawn from other fields, including criminology, to prevent fraudulent research practices?
• How can reforms be implemented equitably, ensuring they do not disproportionately burden researchers with fewer institutional resources?

This convening builds on previous efforts to improve research transparency, including the National Academies’ 2019 report on Replicability and Reproducibility in Science. The outcomes of this discussion aim to help inform practical recommendations for institutions, journals, and funding agencies, with potential applications beyond the social and behavioral sciences.