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Retraction Alerts for references in EndNote

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Summary:
EndNote’s Retraction Alert feature automatically checks your library against the Retraction Watch database and flags any retracted publications. Retracted papers are marked in your EndNote library and in Word’s Cite While You Write (CWYW) so you don’t accidentally cite unreliable or withdrawn research.

Why Retraction Alerts matter

  • Protect Research Credibility: Citing retracted work without noting the retraction undermines trust.
  • Growing Issue: Thousands of papers are retracted each year.
  • Automated Checking: EndNote continuously monitors your references for retractions.
  • Context Still Matters: Alerts flag the retraction, but you must decide how to handle it in your writing.

How Retraction Alerts work in EndNote

1. Database integration

  • Linked with the Retraction Watch database (45,000+ retractions).
  • Uses DOI and PubMed ID to identify retracted publications.

2. In your library

  • Retracted references appear in a special Retraction Group.
  • A warning banner displays at the top of the reference with details and links.

3. In Word Cite While You Write (CWYW)

  • Citations flagged if they are retracted.
  • A special toolbar button highlights retracted references in your manuscript.
  • Even in older documents, EndNote flags retractions during the next format process.

Setting up Retraction Alerts

  1. Create an EndNote Online account (if you don’t already have one).
  2. Add your EndNote Online login to your EndNote desktop preferences.
    • EndNote>Edit>Preferences>Sync
    • Syncing is not required — login is used for retraction checks only.
  3. Open any library — EndNote will now automatically check retractions when:
    • A library is opened.
    • A new reference is added.
    • A reference is edited.

Ensuring DOI and PubMed IDs are present

  • Retraction checks require a DOI or a PubMed ID.
  • If missing, update references:
    1. Highlight references in your library.
    2. Go to References > Find Reference Updates.
    3. EndNote will populate missing fields where available.

Key notes

  • Works across existing libraries — not just new references.
  • Alerts are visible in both EndNote desktop and Word CWYW.
  • Flags persist so you can review or remove retracted citations later.

 

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