Retraction Watch Database — Find Retracted Papers
Over 47,000 papers have been retracted as of 2026, and the rate is accelerating. Finding retracted papers is essential for research integrity, but no single database catches everything. This guide shows you how to use multiple tools to identify retractions effectively.
Audience
Researchers, librarians, editors, and research integrity officers.
Use Case
Systematically identify retracted papers in your field, reference list, or institution's publication output before they create downstream problems.
Guide Depth
4 steps · 5 features
Workflow
- 1Search Retraction Watch database for your topic or author of interest.
- 2Use PubMed's retracted publication filter to find indexed retractions.
- 3Check CrossRef for retraction and correction notices on specific DOIs.
- 4Use LancetClaw reference workflows to screen a shortlist or a broader reference set.
Outcome Signals
- Identify all retracted papers in your reference list
- Stay updated on new retractions in your field
- Maintain research integrity in your publications
Execution Checklist
- Search Retraction Watch database effectively
- Use PubMed retraction filters and alerts
- Check CrossRef for retraction metadata
- Set up automated retraction monitoring
- Handle retracted citations in existing manuscripts
Common Questions
Composite Team Feedback
Representative feedback patterns from teams using this kind of medical literature workflow.
Journal Editor
"The structured review workflows make it easier to check what is actually supported before a claim reaches publication."
Cleaner editorial review handoffs
Research Integrity Officer
"Reference checks and evidence summaries help us escalate the risky cases instead of manually screening everything."
More focused integrity oversight