Publish and flourish: Take the road less travelled!

Abstract

Scientific research and publications are essential for advancement of medical knowledge. The perceived need for 'publications' in medical journals, has increased substantially in view of the recently mandated requirement of original research publications in indexed journals to ensure career progression in academic institutions. There has been an unprecedented rise in the number of standalone journals and publishers, ready to process manuscripts on priority with almost guaranteed publication, at a cost. Many of these publishers have questionable credibility and could be regarded as 'predatory'. It is imperative for a concerted and broad based initiative to foster awareness creation among students at the post-graduate level and for faculty of medical colleges and research institutions. We need to adopt stringent measures to curtail this scourge of predatory publishing. It is advisable for researchers to take the road less travelled, and publish in 'reputed' and 'accepted' journals to flourish. This article aims to bring focus on to the present situation in the scientific publication arena in the Indian context, highlight emerging threats and suggest possible remedies.

Keywords: Misleading metrics; Predatory journals/publishers; Scientific publications.