Conexiant
Login
  • The Analytical Scientist
  • The Cannabis Scientist
  • The Medicine Maker
  • The Ophthalmologist
  • The Pathologist
  • The Traditional Scientist
The Pathologist
  • Explore Pathology

    Explore

    • Latest
    • Insights
    • Case Studies
    • Opinion & Personal Narratives
    • Research & Innovations
    • Product Profiles

    Featured Topics

    • Molecular Pathology
    • Infectious Disease
    • Digital Pathology

    Issues

    • Latest Issue
    • Archive
  • Subspecialties
    • Oncology
    • Histology
    • Cytology
    • Hematology
    • Endocrinology
    • Neurology
    • Microbiology & Immunology
    • Forensics
    • Pathologists' Assistants
  • Training & Education

    Career Development

    • Professional Development
    • Career Pathways
    • Workforce Trends

    Educational Resources

    • Guidelines & Recommendations
    • App Notes

    Events

    • Webinars
    • Live Events
  • Events
    • Live Events
    • Webinars
  • Profiles & Community

    People & Profiles

    • Power List
    • Voices in the Community
    • Authors & Contributors
  • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
Subscribe
Subscribe

False

The Pathologist / Issues / 2019 / Feb / It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World
Profession Training and education Professional Development

It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World

Does the “publish or perish” mindset create a space for predators to flourish?

By Michael Schubert 02/20/2019 1 min read

Share

I was recently invited to be a keynote speaker at a diagnostics conference. Shortly before that, I received an invitation to submit my thesis (or any other manuscripts I’d written since) to a prestigious science and medical publisher. And before that, I was asked if I would like to participate as an invited speaker at an ophthalmology-themed event. It seems my career as a leading scientist is taking off – or is it?

Our cover feature this month deals with predatory journals and conferences. Although the piece addresses their effect on pathology and laboratory medicine, similar vultures circle above every field of scientific and medical advancement. Why? In part because many careers are built on prestige; having a range of publications can bring name recognition – valuable currency in an age when most research is built on collaboration. In part because academia is largely built upon the “publish or perish” mindset, which makes journal articles and conference appearances a key part of pay increases, promotion, and tenure. And perhaps in part because some researchers find it more difficult than others to make their voices heard – for instance, those who work in resource-limited settings; those not fluent in English, the language of most publications and events; or those whose work focuses on obscure or difficult-to-fund subjects. Given these pressures, it’s no surprise to find publishers and conferences who target these vulnerable academics.

For many, these predatory groups confer no real benefit. Articles published in for-profit journals often receive negative, rather than positive, attention. Speakers associated with predatory conferences may lose stature in academic circles – and may, in the future, find their identities used to promote further predatory events of which they have no knowledge!

We can all unhappily discuss the harm that such groups can do to academic communities, and what each of us can do to avoid falling prey to them. But we must ask ourselves: are these predators the problem – or are they a symptom? If our academic communities have built an environment where such publications and conferences can flourish, is there something fundamental that must change? And if so… where do we begin?

Newsletters

Receive the latest pathology news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.

Newsletter Signup Image

About the Author(s)

Michael Schubert

While obtaining degrees in biology from the University of Alberta and biochemistry from Penn State College of Medicine, I worked as a freelance science and medical writer. I was able to hone my skills in research, presentation and scientific writing by assembling grants and journal articles, speaking at international conferences, and consulting on topics ranging from medical education to comic book science. As much as I’ve enjoyed designing new bacteria and plausible superheroes, though, I’m more pleased than ever to be at Texere, using my writing and editing skills to create great content for a professional audience.

More Articles by Michael Schubert

Explore More in Pathology

Dive deeper into the world of pathology. Explore the latest articles, case studies, expert insights, and groundbreaking research.

False

Advertisement

Recommended

False

Related Content

Real-Life Forensic Pathology Is Not CSI
Profession
Real-Life Forensic Pathology Is Not CSI

January 30, 2024

5 min read

Sitting Down With… Ken Obenson, Forensic Pathologist at The Saint John Regional Hospital, New Brunswick, Canada

Byte the Bias
Profession
Byte the Bias

January 11, 2024

1 min read

How does artificial intelligence view a pathologist?

Life Balance
Profession
Life Balance

January 5, 2024

9 min read

Sitting Down With… Kamran Mirza, Professor of Pathology and Director of the Division of Education Programs, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Oldie, But a Goldie
Profession
Oldie, But a Goldie

January 2, 2024

1 min read

A shining specimen of microscopy in this Image of the Month

False

The Pathologist
Subscribe

About

  • About Us
  • Work at Conexiant Europe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 Texere Publishing Limited (trading as Conexiant), with registered number 08113419 whose registered office is at Booths No. 1, Booths Park, Chelford Road, Knutsford, England, WA16 8GS.