julkaisusytyttämisen

julkaisusytyttämisen is a Finnish term that translates to "publication feeding" or "publication doping." It refers to the practice of producing a large volume of academic publications, often of questionable quality, primarily for the purpose of advancing one's career or institutional metrics. This phenomenon is driven by the high emphasis placed on publication counts in academic evaluation systems, such as tenure, promotion, and funding allocation.

The core issue with julkaisusytyttämisen lies in its potential to devalue the academic currency. When quantity is prioritized over quality, research may become superficial, repetitive, or even fabricated. This can lead to a proliferation of low-impact studies that clutter the scientific record and make it harder for genuine, significant discoveries to gain attention. Furthermore, it can create an environment where researchers feel pressured to publish quickly rather than conduct thorough and rigorous investigations.

While the exact definition and prevalence of julkaisusytyttämisen can be debated, it is a recognized concern within academic communities, particularly in fields with high publication output expectations. Efforts to combat this practice often involve re-evaluating academic assessment criteria to place more emphasis on the quality, impact, and originality of research, rather than solely on the number of publications. This might include considerations of citation impact, peer review feedback, and the broader societal contribution of the work.