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Fake/Predatory conferences and journals

Beware of fake or predatory conferences and journals

2024-11-06
cartoon image of a sheep standing at a lecturn of a near empty room. the seat s in the audience are populated with only 2 or 3 wolves and a crocodile wearing expensive suits and hats. dark and forboding theme. in the style of a newspaper cartoon.
cartoon image of a sheep standing at a lecturn of a near empty room. the seat s in the audience are populated with only 2 or 3 wolves and a crocodile wearing expensive suits and hats. dark and forboding theme. in the style of a newspaper cartoon.

Fake/Predatory conferences and journals

A reader alerted to a bad experience they have recently had with a fake or predatory conference. These are conferences that seem legitimate but  either don't actually exist or are held with very poor attendance or content. Predatory conferences are becoming more common and are linked to predatory journals. 

 

Predatory journals use open access publishing models for their own project by exploiting authors who are caught up in the "publish or perish" whirlpool. They charge large fees from authors without providing peer review or editorial oversight.

"Predatory journals and publishers are entities that prioritize self-interest at the expense of scholarship and are characterized by false or misleading information, deviation from best editorial and publication practices, a lack of transparency, and/or the use of aggressive and indiscriminate solicitation practices."

Grudniewicz, A., Moher, D., Cobey, K. D., Bryson, G. L., Cukier, S., Allen, K., ... & Ciro, J. B. (2019). Predatory journals: no definition, no defence. Science (576)7786. 210-212.

 

Further information can be found:

Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

How to spot a fake conference event (RANZCP) 

Beall's list of potential predatory journals and publishers