In recent years, several countries have reassessed their support for researchers publishing in journals from Frontiers and MDPI, citing concerns over editorial practices, peer review integrity, and the quality of published research.
Finland’s Downgrading of Journals
In December 2024, Finland’s Publication Forum announced the downgrading of 271 journals from Frontiers and MDPI in its quality rating system. This decision effectively demotes these journals to the lowest rating, potentially discouraging researchers from submitting manuscripts to these outlets. The committee of scholars involved criticized the move as lacking transparency and potentially targeting fully open-access publishers.
Malaysia’s Withdrawal of Financial Support
In August 2023, Malaysia’s Ministry of Education declared that it would no longer cover the costs for researchers publishing in journals from Frontiers, Hindawi, and MDPI. This policy change reflects the government’s concerns about the quality and credibility of research published in these journals.
China’s Blacklisting of MDPI
In January 2023, Zhejiang Gongshang University in Hangzhou, China, announced that it would exclude articles published in Hindawi, MDPI, and Frontiers journals from evaluations of researcher performance. This decision underscores China’s growing skepticism regarding the academic rigor of these publishers.
Editorial and Peer Review Concerns
Critics have raised issues about the editorial processes and peer review standards of Frontiers and MDPI journals. Allegations include interference with editorial decisions, high acceptance rates without sufficient scrutiny, and rapid publication timelines that may compromise quality. For instance, Frontiers has faced criticism for allegedly pressuring editors to accept manuscripts and for having a peer review process that some consider inadequate.
Impact on Researchers and Publishing Practices
These developments have significant implications for researchers aiming to publish in reputable journals. The downgrading and blacklisting of certain publishers may affect researchers’ career advancement and the perceived credibility of their work. Consequently, scholars are advised to carefully consider the reputation and quality of journals when selecting venues for their research.
In summary, the global reassessment of Frontiers and MDPI journals highlights the ongoing debate over open-access publishing models and the standards of academic rigor. Researchers are encouraged to stay informed about these developments to make well-informed decisions regarding their publication choices.
