The results of an experiment: Predatory publications represent a threat to the academic community in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The paper describes an experiment of publishing a pseudo-scientific text in two predatory editions abroad (a conference and a journal) by an invented author from Chisinau: selection of editions, preparation of the manuscript, publication stages, characteristics of the editions in which were published, etc. The results of the experiment are analyzed in the context of the situation of scientific research in the Republic of Moldova and the challenges facing it, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the transition to open access publishing and the ethical issues caused by the "publish or perish" approach. The lack of any quality control when publishing articles in the two pseudo-scientific editions is demonstrated that the risks of integrating predatory publications into the culture of scientific research are highlighted. The paper contains suggestions on possible ways to combat publication in pseudo-scientific (predatory) editions.