Initiatives address the dark side of academic publishing

In previous RealKM Magazine articles, we’ve highlighted issues in regard to the quality of academic publishing, including academic misconduct, the hyping of research findings, the misuse and misinterpretation of statistical significance, and inappropriate evidence.

We’ve also alerted to the growing problem of predatory journals. Unlike reputable journals, predatory journals “bombard academics with spam emails, accept almost all submissions and overstate the rigour of their peer-review processes. They also often conveniently neglect to mention publication fees until late in the process.”

Two important initiatives are tackling these issues head on: The Embassy of Good Science and Think. Check. Submit.

The Embassy of Good Science

The goal of The Embassy of Good Science , a newly launched European initiative, is to promote research integrity among all those involved in research. The platform is open to anyone willing to learn or support others in fostering understanding and awareness around good science.

Think. Check. Submit.

Think. Check. Submit. helps researchers identify trusted journals for their research. Through a range of tools and practical resources, this international, cross-sector initiative aims to educate researchers, promote integrity, and build trust in credible research and publications.

Header image source: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Also published on Medium.