Should We Publish Fewer Papers? A Call for Quality Over Quantity

By Jean Ashley Sep 09, 2024 889 4

In a recent editorial, Song Jin, Senior Editor at ACS Energy Letters, asks a crucial question: should academic researchers focus on publishing fewer papers with greater impact? With academic publishing growing by 8-9% annually, especially in renewable energy, Jin emphasizes the overwhelming pressure on researchers. This surge in output often results in papers of lesser significance, which dilutes overall scientific progress.

Jin proposes that instead of writing more papers, scientists should concentrate on producing fewer but more meaningful publications. These works should offer deeper insights and answer critical scientific questions rather than contribute to incremental research. This approach, he believes, would lead to more substantial scientific breakthroughs and help reduce the overwhelming workload faced by researchers. He also points to the role of AI in exacerbating the issue, where tools like ChatGPT can now assist in quickly producing research papers. While AI can handle some tasks, it lacks the creativity and originality that are hallmarks of groundbreaking research. Jin argues that academics should focus on these qualities-areas where AI falls short-and avoid trying to compete with machines for volume in publishing.

The editorial raises concerns about the rapid emergence of specialized academic journals, which fragments research and reduces its overall impact. Many journals publish only a few papers, leading to scattered knowledge across platforms. The focus on increasing publication numbers is criticized, with the author advocating for a shift toward higher-quality research. To address this, a proposed "weighted h-index" would emphasize impactful contributions over sheer publication volume, encouraging a more meaningful evaluation of researchers' work.

As an editor, there is an understanding that fewer paper submissions could result from a shift toward prioritizing quality over quantity. However, this would lead to a more manageable workload for editors and reviewers, allowing for better evaluation of impactful research. Encouraging fewer but higher-quality submissions is viewed as beneficial for advancing science. This editorial prompts the academic community to engage in broader discussions on overcoming these challenges and fostering sustainable publishing practices.

Keywords

Academic publishing ACS Energy Letters renewable energy research AI academic journals h-index scientific breakthroughs specialized journals publication scientific community peer review

Comments

Ramkumar Thandiakkal Balan

12 September, 2024

It is not needed..we should restrict the category theoretical, methodology, application , combinatorial discipline etc
By reducing the number other unqualified journal take advantage of it . Quality should be improved by improving citation..

Khalida Nazeee

13 September, 2024

Yes of course there should be focus on publishing quality research but it is also require to maintain the consistently publications so quantity also matters but quality should first

Dr. Mridul Madhav Panditrao

13 September, 2024

Read the matter.
An interesting read.
However, this may be valid for energy sector. My area of expertise, Health: Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, being dynamic and critical, any additional new knowledge, even a tidbit of it, modality, observation and novel phenomena/occurrences reported can be beneficial not only for the novices/ trainees but also for the consultants. In addition, again, health care being individualized area of expertise, one cannot solely depend Upon AI.

I feel in certain areas cutting short on volume may be the need of the hour ( as aptly said, quality over quantity), that. may not be absolutely true for certain fields/specialties.

Dr. G.S. Mukherjee

14 September, 2024

Publication of large number of papers for the sake of publications does not carry much sense. Quality is more important than quantity, however in order to maintain a tempo in the active habit, it requires regular publications at some moderate /optimum rate depending upon the capacity of the individual.
Publication does not mean only the scientific content but also the overall literary merit in terms of language, style of presentation with artistic approach. AI practice may not be be a good practice to encougae creative thinking. AI is rather a routine synthetic approach but researcher's own inbuilt urge and taste is natural which is essential for quality research.