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

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.