Predatory journals: How to recognise and keep clear!

Predatory publishing poses a major threat to the integrity of academic research. While publication in scientific journals has traditionally been a hallmark of authentic information, the ‘publish or perish’ culture has fuelled and enhanced the growth of predatory journals. Predatory publishers prioritise profit over academic integrity, often charge exorbitant fees for a nearly non-existent peer review. Lack of awareness, pressure to publish and the prohibitive cost of open-access publishing contribute to the dubious cause of predatory journals. Identifying predatory journals is essential, and multiple resources exist to assist in identifying them.