The Retraction Watch Hijacked Journal Checker now has 400 entries, a significant milestone in the fight against academic fraud. For three years, researcher Anna Abalkina has been meticulously tracking these sham journals, which mimic real ones and deceive unsuspecting authors, researchers, and indexing services. Her efforts have uncovered a complex network of hijacked journals, with an estimated 70-80 new ones emerging annually.
In an exclusive interview, Abalkina reveals the history behind the list, the fate of journals once identified, and practical tips for spotting potential hijacks. She shares a memorable case involving the renowned Soviet literary journal Novyi Mir, whose hijacking was a painful reminder of the impact of academic fraud.
The interview delves into the nature of these networks, the challenges of tracing them, and the increasing instances of journals being hijacked multiple times. Abalkina also discusses the enforcement measures taken when major publishers are affected and the profitability of this scam. She highlights the real threat hijacked journals pose to scientific literature, citing evidence of plagiarism and misconduct associated with these journals.
For those concerned about potential hijacks, Abalkina provides a comprehensive guide on verification methods, including checking WHOIS records, DOIs, and the Retraction Watch Hijacked Journal Checker. She emphasizes the importance of reporting suspected hijacks to ensure the integrity of academic research.
