Predatory conferences: Addressing researchers from developing countries

Abstract

Publishing a manuscript or presenting at a conference are considered valuable accomplishments in one's professional career. However, it is necessary that the outlet be a legitimate rather than a fraudulent or predatory one. Predatory journals have been explored previously to a greater extent but the conference version of predatory entities is the newest iteration. To date, very few studies have endeavored to address the nuisance of predatory conferences and to explain the full magnitude of their significance. Our study addresses the issue of predatory conferences as an educational article for the readership of the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, and highlights their features, available literature on predatory conferences, and puts forward several new suggestions to avoid falling prey to these illegal entities.

Keywords: Developing countries; Predatory publishing; Research fraud; Scientific conferences..