Ensuring credible science: navigating the risks of questionable journals in the age of open access

Publishing in academic journals allows researchers to share new knowledge and contribute to the broader body of scholarship that informs and advances their fields. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal signifies rigorous evaluation by experts, lending credibility and academic legitimacy. For researchers, publishing brings recognition, funding and career opportunities. However, growing pressure to publish exposes researchers to unethical practices such as predatory publishers and paper mills that prioritise profit over scholarly integrity. With questionable journals infiltrating reputable open-access databases, researchers must remain vigilant.