Thousands of scientists inflate their CVs with self-published studies

2 months ago

Scientists inflate CVs with self-published studies costing millions in public funds.
Analysis shows 1 in 8 special issues contain articles by the editor, especially at MDPI.
PISS (Published In Support of Self) describes this phenomenon of self-serving publications.
Special issues, once selective, now flood the market, inviting mediocre researchers to edit.
Open access shifts costs to authors, with institutions pushing for more publications for promotions.
Over 1,000 special issues annually have more than a third of studies authored by editors.
Examples include MDPI's Processes and Nutrients journals with high editor authorship rates.
Researchers estimate €33-87 million spent on PISS over 11 years, based on a conservative €2,000 per study.
MDPI, Frontiers, and Hindawi show high rates of self-authored studies in special issues.
Calls for sanctions and exclusion of such works in academic evaluations to curb misuse.
MDPI defends its practices, citing safeguards like a 25% cap on editor-authored studies.
The 'publish or perish' culture is identified as a root cause of the problem.

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