Misleading ISI Indexing

 Misleading ISI Indexing


What is Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)?

The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) was founded by Eugene Garfield in 1960. It was acquired by Thomson Scientific & Healthcare in 1992, became known as Thomson ISI and now is part of the Healthcare & Science business of the multi-billion dollar Thomson Reuters Corporation.

ISI offered bibliographic database services. Its specialty: citation indexing and analysis, a field pioneered by Garfield. It maintains citation databases covering thousands of academic journals, including a continuation of its longtime print-based indexing service the Science Citation Index (SCI), as well as the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and the Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI). All of these are available via ISI's Web of Knowledge database service. This database allows a researcher to identify which articles have been cited most frequently, and who has cited them.

The ISI also publishes the annual Journal Citation Reports which list an impact factor for each of the journals that it tracks. Within the scientific community, journal impact factors play a large but controversial role in determining the kudos attached to a scientist's published research record.

A list of over 14,000 journals is maintained by the ISI. The list includes over 1100 arts and humanities journals as well as scientific journals. Listing is based on published selection criteria and is an important indicator of journal quality and impact.

The ISI also publishes a list of highly cited researchers, one of the factors included in the Academic Ranking of World Universities published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

ISI publishes Science Watch, a newsletter which identifies every two months one paper published in the previous two years as a "fast breaking paper" in each of 22 broad fields of science, such as Mathematics (including Statistics), Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The designations are based on the number of citations and the largest increase from one bimonthly update to the next. Articles about the papers often include comments by the authors.


Source: https://www.socialcapitalgateway.org/ and Wikipedia.


In this post, we will analyse the fake ISI indexing service providers..

1. International Scientific Indexing (ISI)

 In this post, we will see the International Scientific Indexing (ISI), it is a fake ISI.

Does any reputed indexing provider allows advertisement as follows? 

One can conclude that the journals listed by International Scientific Indexing (ISI)
are fake/bogus/so-called international journals. If you want to check the journal that are indexed by this fake ISI indexing provider, check the list here

For example, we searched for "EPRA" journals without quotes, refer the below screenshot.

This search results shows some EPRA * journals are indexed by this fake ISI indexing providers' list, hence one can conclude that these journals are fake journals. This analysis is applicable for all other fake journals who are listed by this fake ISI indexing providers


If your search results shows the journal is within their list of fake ISI indexing journals, then definitely the journals that you intended to search is a fake journal. So authors, beware of this fraud indexing providers and the journals to be block listed who adopted this indexing. 

2. ISI Impact Factor-another fake ISI indexing provider.


In the rapidly evolving landscape of academic research and publication, the pursuit of recognition and credibility is paramount for researchers and authors alike. One significant way researchers aim to achieve this is by publishing their work in reputable international journals. However, the rise of fake indexing providers has added a layer of complexity and confusion to this process. This page aims to shed light on the dangers of fake indexing providers and offer guidance on how to identify and avoid them.

Understanding Indexing: A Crucial Aspect of Journal Credibility
Indexing is the process of categorizing and archiving published research articles in databases that are widely recognized within the academic community. Indexed journals are often considered more reputable and trustworthy, as they have undergone a rigorous evaluation process to meet certain quality standards. They provide researchers with visibility, recognition, and potential citations for their work.

The Proliferation of Fake Indexing Providers
In recent years, the surge in demand for publication in indexed journals has led to the emergence of fake indexing providers that claim to offer indexing services for a fee. These providers often promise rapid indexing, minimal peer review, and guaranteed inclusion in well-known indexing databases. However, their intentions are far from noble. Instead of adhering to established quality standards, these providers engage in deceptive practices that can have serious consequences for researchers and the academic community as a whole.

Red Flags: How to Spot Fake Indexing Providers
  1. Lack of Transparent Evaluation: Reputable indexing services have transparent evaluation criteria and processes. Be wary of providers that fail to provide clear information about their evaluation methods, peer review practices, and selection criteria.
  2. Quick Acceptance with Minimal Review: Authentic indexing takes time and involves a thorough peer review process. Beware of providers that promise quick acceptance without proper peer review.
  3. Inclusion in Well-Known Databases: Some fake providers claim to index journals in well-known databases like PubMed, Scopus, or Web of Science without proper verification. Always cross-check their claims with the official websites of these databases.
  4. Unsolicited Email Invitations: Legitimate journals and indexing services rarely send unsolicited emails inviting authors to publish. Be cautious if you receive unexpected emails from unfamiliar sources.
Consequences of Associating with Fake Indexing Providers
  1. Loss of Credibility: Publishing in fake indexed journals can severely damage the credibility of your research and your academic reputation.
  2. Wasted Resources: Financially supporting fake indexing providers not only wastes resources but also perpetuates their fraudulent practices.
  3. Ethical Concerns: Associating with fraudulent providers goes against ethical standards in research and publication.
Protecting Yourself: Tips for Authors
  1. Research the Provider: Thoroughly investigate the provider's background, reviews, and legitimacy before submitting your work.
  2. Check Inclusion: Verify the indexing claims by cross-referencing with official indexing databases' websites.
  3. Seek Recommendations: Consult colleagues, mentors, or reputable academic forums for recommendations on trustworthy indexing services.

So, the world of academic publication is replete with opportunities and challenges. Navigating the realm of journal indexing requires vigilance and discernment to ensure that your research gains the recognition it deserves from reputable sources. Avoid the allure of fake indexing providers, protect your academic integrity, and contribute to the advancement of genuine research in your field.

-Happy Publishing

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