Publishing Support

📈 A Growing Concern

Predatory publishing is an increasing issue in the global research landscape. These publishers often exploit the pressure to publish by targeting researchers with misleading or unethical practices.

⚠️ What Are Predatory Publishers?

Predatory publishers misrepresent the quality and integrity of their peer review processes in order to collect publication fees. Their practices can be hard to spot, as they vary widely and often mimic legitimate journals.

🔍 Common Warning Signs

In 2019, a group of researchers, funders, institutions, and policymakers defined predatory publishers as those who:

• Prioritise profit over academic integrity
• Provide false or misleading information
• Ignore best practices in editorial and publishing standards
• Operate with little or no transparency
• Use aggressive or indiscriminate solicitation tactics

Now that you're aware of the risks posed by predatory publishers, how can you avoid them?

The key is to carefully evaluate any journal or publisher before submitting your work. Ask yourself:

• Did they contact you out of the blue?
• Do they charge publication fees—and are those fees clearly explained?
• Is their peer review process transparent and credible?
• Have you or your colleagues heard of this journal before?
• Are they listed in trusted directories like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)?

Taking time to answer these questions helps ensure your research is published ethically, responsibly, and in the right place.

🧠 What is Think. Check. Submit.?

Think. Check. Submit. is a global initiative that helps researchers identify trusted journals and publishers. It offers:

• Practical checklists to guide your decision-making
• Tips on spotting red flags
• Resources to help you assess whether a journal is a good fit for your work

Using these tools can help you avoid predatory publishers and ensure your research reaches the right audience.