I once attended a financial crime research conference and, at the gala dinner, found myself sitting next to the lead investigator in cybercrime from Nigeria. It was fascinating to hear some of the stories he had to share, including instances of tracking down the people who sent those seemingly now extinct emails purporting to be … Continue reading Anatomy of a Predatory Journal Email (Part 1)
A Little Knowledge Is a Dangerous Thing
There have been a number of studies in recent years about the awareness of predatory journals among researchers, which have had some troubling findings around perceived knowledge and actual knowledge of their activities. One study, for example, showed that while 87% of respondents to one survey said they were confident in identifying a predatory journal, … Continue reading A Little Knowledge Is a Dangerous Thing
When Academia Takes on Journalism… and Falls Short
This month has seen two articles published and garner significant attention on the predatory publishing phenomenon, highlighting many of the problems it creates for scholarly communications and society in general. Both articles are well argued, making interesting points and revealing core truths about predatory journals. So, what’s the problem? One of them is wrong. Not … Continue reading When Academia Takes on Journalism… and Falls Short
Remember Who the Bad Guys Are
Close followers of recent geopolitics will be forgiven for wondering if the good guys and bad guys of the traditional world order have been swapping sides. When a dictator who has invaded a country gets praised while some of the oldest democracies are attacked for their positions, it’s tempting to slap yourself about the face … Continue reading Remember Who the Bad Guys Are
Predators Lurk Closer to Home
There is an assumption held by many that predatory journals are a problem that only affects other people. A bit like a tropical disease or rare syndrome, it is something that is known to afflict others, but not you, your family, or your friends and colleagues. In the case of predatory publishing practices, this might … Continue reading Predators Lurk Closer to Home
Under Siege: The High Stakes of Medical Science
Medical research journals have long been the backbone of scientific advancement. They provide trusted outlets for sharing discoveries that shape healthcare, inform clinical practices, and ultimately save lives. Yet, in recent years, these journals have faced mounting threats that jeopardize their integrity, sustainability, and ability to disseminate high-quality research. Among the most pressing challenges are … Continue reading Under Siege: The High Stakes of Medical Science
Five-Point Plan
Incredibly, it has been over five years since we started The Source, our regular offering of insight and intel on the worlds of research integrity and academic publishing. But do the original posts still hold up? We thought it would be interesting to look back at one of our first posts in The Source to … Continue reading Five-Point Plan
Trust is Index-linked
The first indexes were found in books as early as the 16th Century, and the word itself comes from the Latin for ‘one who points out’ or an ‘indication’ - literally using the forefinger to draw attention to something. Inherent in this is the understanding that what is being pointed out is factual, whether it … Continue reading Trust is Index-linked
Illusions of Grandeur
Canada has been in the headlines of late, and from a brand perspective, for all the right reasons. The world’s second biggest country has been the focus for much of the world's news following a huge swing in its general elections and for standing up to substantial rhetoric from the US President. Never has it … Continue reading Illusions of Grandeur
When Oxbridge Doesn’t Mean Oxbridge
For well over a century, the term ‘Oxbridge’ has been a useful abbreviation to indicate the two most prestigious universities in the UK. It has stood for the highest caliber of research, the brightest minds and absolute academic freedom. To be associated with Oxbridge is to have links with the very best that higher education … Continue reading When Oxbridge Doesn’t Mean Oxbridge