What is plagiarism and how can researchers avoid it?

Plagiarism is one of the most persistent and misunderstood challenges in research integrity. Elsevier’s Researcher Academy module on plagiarism, presented by Elsevier’s Research Integrity and Publishing Ethics Policy and Guidelines Manager Tess Bird, PhD, offers a practical, accessible guide to help researchers understand what plagiarism is, how it occurs and, crucially, how to avoid it in their own work.

The module begins with a clear definition: plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own. Importantly, “work” extends beyond text to include images, graphs, data, processes, and even unpublished materials like pre-prints. This broad definition underscores a key message that responsible research practice requires proper acknowledgment of all sources, regardless of format.

From there, the module explores the different forms plagiarism can take. While verbatim copying without quotation or citation is the most obvious example, other forms are more subtle. Mosaic plagiarism, for instance, involves stitching together ideas and phrasing from multiple sources. Paraphrasing is when writing too closely mirrors the original structure or wording without proper attribution. The module also highlights redundant publication, or “self-plagiarism,” where authors reuse substantial parts of their own previously published work without appropriate citation.

A particularly valuable aspect of the module is its focus on unintentional plagiarism. Researchers, especially those conducting literature reviews or working in a second language, may inadvertently reuse text or fail to track sources accurately. The guidance here is practical: avoid copy-paste habits, take careful notes, write in your own words, and cite consistently. The module also acknowledges the growing use of AI tools, emphasizing that their outputs must still be treated with care, transparency, and proper attribution where required.

Beyond text, the module reminds researchers that plagiarism includes the reuse of images, tables, and figures without permission. Even when content is publicly available, best practice is to seek permission where required and always provide appropriate citation.

The module also outlines the real consequences of plagiarism. These can range from corrections and retractions to reputational damage and institutional disciplinary action. More broadly, even minor instances can erode trust in individual researchers, institutions, journals, and the scientific record itself.

Finally, the module provides guidance on what to do if plagiarism is suspected or detected. It encourages constructive, professional communication within research teams and outlines how to report concerns to journals when necessary.

Overall, this module serves as both a foundational introduction and a practical refresher on plagiarism. It equips researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate these complex scenarios with confidence.

Ready to learn more about plagiarism? Watch the full module for free on Researcher Academy.