Shining Light on “Dark Science”: Mapping the Field of Science Watchdog Journalism

The journalistic watchdog role has traditionally been theorised as a mechanism for scrutinising political power. Yet comparatively little scholarly attention has been paid to watchdog practices that target science itself, despite growing concerns about research misconduct, misinformation, and the misuse of scientific authority in digital media environments. This study addresses this gap by conceptualising and mapping the emerging ecosystem of science watchdog journalism. Building on literature in journalism studies, science communication, and research integrity, the study defines science watchdog journalism as forms of journalistic and journalism-related scrutiny that monitors the production, communication, and use of scientific knowledge. Empirically, the study adopts an inductive mapping approach to identify actors engaged in science watchdog practices across contemporary platformised media environments. Drawing on case-based analysis, media monitoring, and multi-platform searches, we identified that actors are operating in a diverse science watchdog ecosystem that extends far beyond traditional investigative journalism. Science watchdog functions are increasingly performed by a broad range of actors, including research-integrity specialists, fact-checking organisations, advocacy groups, and highly visible individual commentators. Five primary watchdog functions are identified: primary investigative watchdogs, infrastructural watchdog platforms, translational intermediaries, corrective verification organisations, and attention-based watchdogs. Importantly, the study expands beyond Western media systems, highlighting watchdog initiatives operating across multiple global regions. By conceptualising science watchdog journalism and systematically mapping its actors and functions, the study contributes to journalism theory by proposing a broader understanding of watchdog practices in an era of platformised media and contested scientific authority.