The issue of "buying experience for money" in scientometrics, or so-called scientific consulting, is actively discussed in the academic community. Some believe that a researcher should go through all stages of publication independently, while others are sure that the help of professionals helps to improve the quality of publications. Let us explore this issue by debunking five popular myths about scientific consulting.
Myth 1: Science consulting is a hoax, contrary to scientific ethics
Truth: Scientific consulting does not actually involve writing scientific articles for the scientist. Scientific consulting is consulting researchers on publication activities: selection of a suitable journal, revision of materials according to the requirements of the selected publication, text editing, translation into academic English, communication with reviewers.
Scientific advisors help researchers to better understand the complex processes of publishing in the international databases Scopus and Web of Science, but the main work is left to the researchers.
Myth 2: If a scientist is competent, he or she can manage without help
Truth: Being a skilled scientist does not mean understanding all the nuances of scientometrics. Publishing in international publications indexed in the prestigious Scopus and Web of Science databases requires a deep understanding of the requirements for design, the peculiarities of peer review, and complex bureaucratic procedures. Scientific consulting allows you to focus on research rather than on learning the complex technical aspects of publishing.
Myth 3: It is expensive and does not justify the cost
Truth: At first glance, science consulting may seem costly, but in the long run it saves significant resources by allowing a scientist to publish articles faster and more efficiently. Moreover, publishing in ranked journals opens access to grants, increased Hirsch Index and career opportunities.
Myth 4: Scientific consulting is an intermediary that carries no value
Truth: A consulting company is not just an intermediary between an author and a journal. Scientific consultants audit scientific articles and help finalise the materials according to the high standards of journals included in Scopus and WoS, communicate with reviewers and editors, and ensure that the research is successfully indexed in the right database. Their work is similar to the role of a lawyer who helps to make sense of a complex legal system. The only difference is that "attorneys in scientometrics" work with reviewers, not with prosecutors.
Myth 5: Only those who can't write scientific papers need scientific consulting services
Truth: Many outstanding researchers use consulting services. This is not a matter of incompetence, but of rational allocation of resources. Because of strict publication requirements, researchers have little time to conduct quality research. Most of the effort is spent on bringing the article into compliance with strict publication requirements, endless editing and text structuring. To avoid spending resources on sorting out all the steps of the publication process, scientists around the world are turning to scientific consulting companies for help.
You can learn more about scientific consulting by reading our previous article.
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