H-index in the Brazilian Academy of Sciences: comments and concerns

Abstract

Bibliometric parameters have been used in order to evaluate a scientist's performance. The h-index has been gradually accepted as the most adequate parameter for this purpose. To have an idea of this index among Brazilian scientists, we performed an analysis of this parameter for the full members of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The h-index of 402 members listed in 10 distinct categories by the BAS was determined, cross-checked with the curriculum vitae of each of them listed at the Plataforma Lattes database (CVL) and compared with each other. Despite the large production, mostly in journals without impact factor, the h-indexes among the BAS members are comparatively low and show a large variation in all of the 10 categories, particularly in Biomedical and Physical sciences. The highest average of h-index values was found in Biomedical, Health and Chemical sciences; the lowest values were found in Human sciences where this index is meaningless. Several problems due to the trend that new and "fresh" publications need be constantly produced (the "bakery-effect") are discussed. This study points to the need of developing countries such as Brazil to invest in national scientific journals in order to make them gradually part of the mainstream journals. This would have a positive effect on bibliometric parameters of Brazilian researchers, including the h-index.

Editors of Brazilian journals - a hard life that is getting harder!

“…Although rules to get these grants got tougher year after year and despite the fact that the amount was never quite enough to allow editors to publish all good articles they were receiving (particularly considering the ever-growing submission rates), the system was working. This (and other initiatives) resulted in an overall growth of the visibility of Brazilian scientists (e.g., Packer 2011), even if not without problems (Meneghini et al 2008), particularly when evaluation metrics "imported" from abroad that might not be directly applicable to the Brazilian (and South American) reality are employed (e.g., Mueller 1999, Kellner andPonciano 2008, Rego 2014).…”

“…Their work is absolutely necessary and fully appreciated. However, it should be noted that Brazilian scientists are making great efforts to mitigate the problems not only resulting from the present adverse situation, but also due to the additional complications caused by the continuous worldwide increasing demands for publication as the consequence of the so-called "bakery effect" (Kellner and Ponciano 2008). Issues such as scientific integrity (e.g., Vasconcelos et al 2015) and the need of internationalization (e.g., Madeira and Marrenco 2016), for example, are high on the present scientific agenda.…”

Scientific Integrity, Precambrian Acritarchs from Brazil and Mangroves and Climate Change

“…In a world that somehow lives under the "bakery-effect" (the need for constant production of "fresh" publications at all times, see Kellner and Ponciano 2008), this need for increased scientific productivity in form of papers is leading to inappropriate and unethical behavior (e.g., Anderson and Steneck 2010) and Brazil, unfortunately is also not immune to that (e.g., Esteves 2014). In order to show what the country is doing with regard to research integrity, Sonia M.R.…”

A closer look at the Impact Factor (JCR 2012): problems, concerns and actions needed

“…Furthermore, there is the growing trend to evaluate and compare science achievement of authors, departments, institutions and even countries. Despite the complexity and the inevitable controversy associated with this issue (e.g., Pinto and Andrade 1999, Hirsch 2005, Jin et al 2007, Ball 2007, Mugnaini et al 2008, Kellner and Ponciano 2008, scientific publications have become paramount in this matter. For all this to work properly, there must be a reliable database where the presented IF of journals can be trusted.…”