The MDPIzation of chilean science: a wake-up call about how we are conducting research and using public resources

Abstract

MDPI, a rapidly growing mega-publisher, has significantly impacted scientific publishing with a large number of open-access journals covering all areas of knowledge. Fast publication times, numerous special issues, hundreds of guest editors, and incentives for reviewers contribute to its success. However, concerns have arisen about the quality of its peer-review process and the overall quality of its publications, leading some stakeholders to question the validity of MDPI publications for academic purposes. MDPI’s influence has surged in Chile, with publications rising from 1 to 13% between 2017 and 2023. While offering a solution to the “publish or perish” pressure, this growth has sparked a debate over the quality and sustainability of such publications. Public funding plays a significant role, with approximately 36% of MDPI papers in Chile financed by public funds through national research programs. This situation has raised concerns about the optimal use of these resources. Chilean science, renowned in South America, faces the challenge of maintaining high standards in the open-access era. The focus should be on quality over quantity to ensure impactful and innovative research contributions.