What if your paper were retracted for no credible reason?

Abstract Retractions are meant to protect the integrity of the published record against erroneous content, but retraction procedures are not infallible. This paper identifies imperfections in the regulatory framework of retractions, draws conceptual lessons from them, and derives recommendations to improve the handling of disputed retractions to better suit the needs of all stakeholders. The imperfections are illustrated by a retraction, which its authors and prominent members of the research community appealed at various levels to no avail. None of the relevant authorities in the system of retractions acknowledged any problems, although the retraction suffers from a number of flaws, both procedural and on merit. This paper concludes with reflections on how to revamp the framework for retractions in scientific journals.