Vol 65, No 6 (2015)
Editorial
Published online: 2016-02-05

open access

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IF-mania: Journal Impact Factor is not a proper mean to assess the quality of research, individual researchers, nor scientific institutions

Edward Towpik
DOI: 10.5603/NJO.2015.0092
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2015;65(6):465-475.

Abstract

The literature on the impact factor is extensive and growing: numerous papers have addressed its misuse for assessing the value of science, scientific institutions and individual researchers. However, the impact factor mania persists and inflicts the pernicious effect on science; it can also lead to scientific misconduct. This essay presents a review of at least a part of the literature, and invites discussion by a group of prominent scientists representing various scientific fields of interest and research.