Happy 50th birthday to ISSN! Yes, this week marks the half-century of ISSN International Centre, the body that manages the identifications of serial publications globally. Originally known as the International Serials Data System (ISDS), it was set up jointly by the UNESCO and France in 1975, and has been based in Paris ever since. The ISSN – or International Standard Serial Number – covers all serials (e.g., journals, newspapers, magazines) and what are known as ‘ongoing integrating resources’ (e.g., websites or databases).

There have been a number of studies in recent years about the awareness of predatory journals among researchers, which have had some troubling findings around perceived knowledge and actual knowledge of their activities. One study, for example, showed that while 87% of respondents to one survey said they were confident in identifying a predatory journal, only 60% could do so when tested.

It’s important for journalists to be aware of predatory journals because such journals pose a threat for the integrity of science journalism.

Today's guest bloggers share analysis on the relationship between impact and policy during Global Goals Week 2025.

This month has seen two articles published and garner significant attention on the predatory publishing phenomenon, highlighting many of the problems it creates for scholarly communications and society in general. Both articles are well argued, making interesting points and revealing core truths about predatory journals. So, what’s the problem? One of them is wrong. Not fundamentally, heinously wrong at all, but with errors that, in different ways, undermine its efforts to place a spotlight on predatory publishing practices.

Now a fixture in the scholarly communications calendar, Peer Review Week has become one of those pivots that for many people, the year revolves around. Like children going back to school after the summer break, or the inexorable slowdown ahead of Christmas, this week in mid-September serves as a reflection point on what has gone before it, and what should happen afterwards.

Global survey reveals growing divide in attitudes but more recognition of AI potential to support peer review process

The London-based Publishers Association holds its annual reception at Parliament, with MPs, publishers, and book-industry players…

Tomorrow I will have the honor of giving a lightning talk at the annual ALPSP Conference in my home city of Manchester in the UK. This is not just a highlight for me, but for those in the publishing community who are able to visit this wonderful city. As usual, there is much to delight delegates in a varied and packed agenda.

Digital Science investigations show researchers associated with a fictitious research network and funding source have netted millions of taxpayers' dollars in funding.

Jonathon Alexis Coates outlines how a constellation of static and dynamic indicators could provide a means for assessing the trustworthiness of published research

For those in the media, the summer months have habitually taken on a rose-tinted hue, not all ascribable to the pink-coloured wine that is so popular at this time of year. No, as the weather gets warmer and readers go on holiday to get away from all the bad news that permeates through the media most of the time, the pressure on news subsides, and it’s time to have some fun with ‘silly season’ stories instead.

Cabell’s Journalytics and Predatory Reports helps researchers—and the librarians who support them—find appropriate venues for publication and avoid those known to exhibit predatory behaviors.

Close followers of recent geopolitics will be forgiven for wondering if the good guys and bad guys of the traditional world order have been swapping sides. When a dictator who has invaded a country…

Nature recently announced that they will publish peer review reports with papers. Editors and researchers weigh the impact.

There is an assumption held by many that predatory journals are a problem that only affects other people. A bit like a tropical disease or rare syndrome, it is something that is known to afflict others, but not you, your family, or your friends and colleagues. In the case of predatory publishing practices, this might be something we think only happens to other researchers outside the US or Europe. 

As an editor, I am receiving submissions from spurious authors consisting of previously published papers altered by AI. But why, asks Seongjin Hong

Facing pressures to stay competitive, researchers publish ever more, often at the cost of quality. Our author shows how this strategic trap can be compared to a prisoner’s dilemma, explains how this…

At every stage of the research process, critical thinking acts as a compass – it urges caution against overconfident claims and reminds us that the goal is understanding, not mere output, writes Timo…

Medical research journals have long been the backbone of scientific advancement. They provide trusted outlets for sharing discoveries that shape healthcare, inform clinical practices, and ultimately save lives. Yet, in recent years, these journals have faced mounting threats that jeopardize their integrity, sustainability, and ability to disseminate high-quality research. Among the most pressing challenges are the continued growth of predatory journals, reductions in research funding, and shifting governmental, political, and policy environments.

A recent survey of 66 learned societies (primarily in the UK) revealed a revenue crisis which threatens the very existence of community-driven publishing, and by extension learned societies…

A new paper published in European Science Editing highlights the growing psychological strain on researchers driven by pressure to obtain statistically significant results in academic publishing.