September 2024
 

APAME issues a declaration warning of risks from predatory journals
 

During its 2024 annual meeting in New South Wales, the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors (APAME) issued the Sydney declaration in efforts to address the growing threat of predatory journals, which charge publication fees without proper peer review. These deceptive journals undermine research integrity by publishing unvetted, low-quality studies that can contaminate reputable literature and mislead clinical practice. With many researchers driven by the "publish or perish" mentality, predatory publishers exploit the open-access model, luring authors with lower fees and rapid publication promises.

The declaration highlights the damaging impact on both authors and readers, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries, who may fall prey to these practices. APAME has committed to raising awareness and educating the research community to mitigate the harmful effects of predatory publishing.

We at ThinkSCIENCE have written about the dangers of predatory journals and how to avoid them. For more information, check out our resource hub.