The Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (DRIC) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held a day’s seminar on "Ethics in Scholarly Work".

The seminar consisted of a presentation by the Editor in Chief of Elsevier's Social, Science and Medicine journal, and a Professor and University Research Chair at the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Canada, Prof. Susan J. Elliott.

Prof. Elliot, presenting on "Unpacking the Black Box of Academic Publishing," indicated the importance of ethics in scholarly work while highlighting the risks of academic dishonesty. She cautioned that students and researchers who engaged in misconduct could face severe penalties, including institutional blacklisting.

One of the key topics discussed was the growing threat of paper mills companies that charge researchers to have their work published in journals through fraudulent means. Prof. Elliott provided tips for identifying these deceptive services, noting signs such as papers that appear “too clean,” fake university affiliations, and the use of non-institutional email addresses.

Prof. Susan J. Elliott addressing participants in the seminar

Prof. Elliott acknowledged the potential risks of using Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly seeking to manipulate the publication process.

"Make sure you get it right at the beginning because we don’t allow author changes," Prof. Elliott cautioned.

She advised that when researchers want to publish, they should "focus on quality over quantity when submitting research, avoid data mining and unethical research shortcuts, and choose the right journal using tools like journal finders."

She concluded by encouraging all researchers present at the event to note that critiques of their works by Reviewers are not attacks on their personalities, hence, such comments should be taken in good faith.

Prof.  David Teye Doku, the Director for DRIC, thanked Prof. Elliot for visiting UCC and making a very impactful presentation that will benefit all members of faculty. Prof. Doku also noted it was essential for all participants to put into practice the lessons learnt at the seminar.

Ahead of the seminar, Prof. Elliot paid a visit to the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis W. Aheto.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC