A lecture - "Principles for Evaluating Various Types of Scientific Activities" was delivered at Tbilisi State Medical University for academic staff and researchers. The session was led by Professor Sophia Bakhtadze, TSMU Vice-Rector for Science. Her presentation aimed to inform academic personnel about the criteria for selecting scientific journals, international standards for publication quality, and the risks associated with so-called predatory journals and conferences.
The event was opened by Professor Irakli Natrosvhili, Rector of TSMU. The rector emphasized the importance of supporting strategic directions that contribute to strengthening the university’s research reputation and ensuring adherence to academic ethics standards. He also highlighted the risks associated with engagement in unreliable predatory publishing practices.
Professor Sophia Bakhtadze’s lecture included a comprehensive overview of the full cycle of scientific publication, along with practical recommendations on the following topics: the structure and linguistic requirements of a scientific article, key criteria for journal selection, bibliometric indicators (impact factor, citation index, h-index), types of scientific journals, including open-access and hybrid models, contemporary approaches to evaluating research impact (altmetrics), journal indexing platforms (Scopus, Web of Science), methods for identifying and avoiding predatory journals and conferences.
Special emphasis was placed on so-called scientific traps—predatory journals and conferences. It was noted that such outlets often employ deceptive practices, such as offering rapid publication and bypassing professional peer review. These practices pose significant threats to the credibility of research and compromise standards of scientific ethics. Professor Sophia Bakhtadze introduced the audience to digital platforms and online resources that assist in the timely identification and avoidance of predatory scientific sources.