Letter. For a change in the evaluation of scientific research: “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”

Abstract

This is a response to two letters published recently in the Profesional de la información journal on the need for changes in the evaluation of science. Two elements are proposed that should be part of any future evaluation model, namely the obligation for accountability through external evaluations, and the central role of science communication. Likewise, examples of in-depth changes that can be undertaken and that respect these two essential principles are presented. Additionally, a review of sometimes misinterpreted concepts is proposed, such as the expression “publish or perish,” because it masks the real problem instead of denouncing it, or that of self-plagiarism because not only is it an oxymoron but it also places plagiarism in a field of acceptable practices, which is meaningless.