‘Predatory’ journal sting operation uncovers seamier side of academic publishing

'Predatory' journal sting operation uncovers seamier side of academic publishing. An undercover operation by University of Sussex academic Dr Kasia Pisanski involving 360 scientific journals has found that 40 of 120 so-called 'predatory' journals offered a fake, unqualified applicant a position on their editorial board without checking the veracity of her CV, or even that she existed. In contrast, none of the 120 journals ranked as quality publications (those with an official impact factor) on the Journal Citation Reports 'whitelist' accepted the applicant. 'Predatory publishers' collect fees from researchers and accept papers without first vetting the papers for quality (for instance through peer review), despite claiming otherwise. Many researchers might respond to flattering invitations from these journals, without checking whether they are reputable. Worse yet - some scholars submit their papers wittingly. Academics undergo immense pressure to publish and build reputations as active members of the scholarly community, sometimes at any cost.