Forensic scientometrics and Los Hombres de Paco

Abstract

This essay explores the emerging role of forensic bibliometrics in the context of academic integrity. It details how technological and infrastructure advances allow for greater replicability and review of previous studies, contributing to the identification and verification of methodological issues and cases of misconduct. The paper critically discusses the trend of the media and some academics to use bibliometrics to target individuals, suggesting instead a more constructive and formal approach to protect scientific integrity.