Proofig AI
Proofig AI: Image Integrity Support
This resource is provided through the Office of Research Integrity as part of BGSU’s ongoing commitment to ethical research practices.
Bowling Green State University is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity. To support researchers in maintaining transparency and accuracy in scientific imaging, BGSU provides access to Proofig AI, an advanced tool designed to detect potential issues in research images.
Proofig AI helps researchers identify image duplications, manipulations, and inconsistencies prior to publication, strengthening the credibility and reliability of scholarly work.
About Proofig AI
Proofig AI is a specialized image analysis platform used by researchers and institutions worldwide to enhance scientific rigor. The software scans figures for duplications and manipulations, helping users proactively address potential concerns before submission or publication.
Information Sessions
Research Integrity will be hosting Proofig AI information sessions in the month of May, also available on our Professional Development Workshop Schedule.
Getting Started with Proofig AI
BGSU faculty, staff, and students can access Proofig AI using their university credentials.
- Log In to Proofig AI:
https://app.proofig.com/login - Getting Started Tutorials:
https://intercom.help/proofig/en/collections/9503810-getting-started-collection - Help Center:
https://intercom.help/proofig/en?utm_source=proofig-helpcenter&utm_medium=app
Best Practices for Image Analysis
To support responsible image handling across disciplines, Proofig provides guidance for analyzing different types of scientific images:
- Microscopy Images:
Analyzing Suspected Issues in Microscopy Images with Proofig: Best Practices and Tips - FACS Images:
Analyzing Suspected Issues in FACS Images with Proofig: Best Practices and Tips - Western Blot Images:
Analyzing Suspected Issues in Western Blot Images with Proofig: Best Practices and Tips
These resources offer practical strategies for identifying concerns and ensuring images meet publication and ethical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bowling Green State University does not have access to the images you upload or to your scan results. BGSU only receives aggregate, high‑level usage data, such as the number of documents analyzed and how many items are flagged overall.
Proofig AI is provided as a researcher support tool, not a monitoring or compliance system. Its purpose is to help researchers proactively identify and address potential image concerns before submission or publication.
Many academic journals now use AI‑based tools to screen submitted figures for possible image manipulation or duplication. However, not all journals provide authors with detailed feedback about what triggered a concern. In some cases, flagged images can result in automatic desk rejection without an opportunity for explanation.
This can be particularly challenging when researchers appropriately reuse different regions of a larger image across multiple publications which is an accepted practice that nonetheless increases the risk of AI‑based flags.
By offering Proofig AI, BGSU enables researchers to:
- See what journal screening tools might flag before submission
- Make appropriate corrections or clarifications
- Proactively address issues in a cover letter or response to editors
Ultimately, the tool helps researchers stay ahead of automated screening processes while protecting the credibility of their work.
No. Proofig AI does not replace peer review, editorial judgment, or institutional research oversight processes. It is intended as a supplemental, preventative tool to support best practices in image handling and responsible research conduct.
Proofig AI is recommended for any BGSU faculty, staff, or student who prepares scientific images for presentations, grant submissions, preprints, or publications. This tool is especially useful for those working with microscopy, western blot, FACS, or similar image‑based data.
Yes. Proofig AI is widely used by universities, research institutions, and publishers to support responsible research practices. The platform is designed to respect research confidentiality and is intended to support (not police) researchers in maintaining the integrity of their work.
For additional information about Proofig AI’s features and capabilities, visit the Proofig.com FAQ page.
Updated: 04/17/2026 11:36AM