The Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM) maintains an unwavering stance against paying publishing fees in journals. This resolute position underscores CONEM’s commitment to upholding fairness, accessibility, and integrity in scientific publishing.
Dr. Geir Bjørklund, MD, the founder and president of CONEM, emphasizes this commitment by stating, “I firmly believe that scientific knowledge should be freely accessible to all researchers and scholars, without the imposition of publication fees. It is essential to uphold principles of fairness and integrity in scientific publishing to ensure that research findings are accessible and transparent. Throughout my career, I have never paid publishing fees for any article. I am proud to continue advocating for a publishing model that prioritizes accessibility and equity in disseminating scientific knowledge.”
Dr. Bjørklund’s achievements, including his h-index of 52 in Web of Science and 63 in Google Scholar (March 2024), coupled with his belonging to the top 1% of researchers worldwide according to ResearchGate, underscore the significance of his stance against publication fees and his dedication to advancing ethical standards in scientific publishing.
Regardless of the journal type — whether traditional subscription-based or open access — CONEM stands firm in its opposition to publication fees. This stance reflects a fundamental belief that disseminating scientific knowledge should not come at a financial cost to researchers. By refusing to pay publication fees, CONEM ensures that its contributions to the scientific literature remain accessible to all without creating barriers based on financial resources.
In aligning with this principle, CONEM acknowledges hybrid journals offering paid open-access publishing alongside subscription-based options. These hybrid journals charge fees for open-access publishing but also offer subscription-based access. However, CONEM maintains its stance against publication fees, even within the hybrid model, to uphold its principles of fairness and accessibility.
CONEM recognizes the value of traditional subscription journals that do not charge authors for publication. These journals provide a valuable platform for sharing research findings and advancing knowledge without imposing financial burdens on authors. Moreover, the widespread availability of these journals through university libraries ensures that researchers and scholars can access a wealth of scholarly literature at no additional cost.
CONEM’s opposition to publication fees extends beyond accessibility concerns to broader ethical considerations. Paying for publication can introduce conflicts of interest and compromise the objectivity of research findings. By refusing to engage with journals that require publication payment, CONEM upholds academic integrity standards and promotes transparency in scientific research.
Furthermore, while CONEM respects the right to earn funds to cover editorial production costs, it challenges the notion that contributors of intellectual products to journals must pay for their contributions. It proposes a complete waiver of fees for authors whose articles are accepted, provided they have no funds to declare. This declaration should occur post-acceptance, ensuring that scientists worldwide, particularly those from developing countries, can contribute to and benefit from transparent and accessible science.
In sum, CONEM’s refusal to pay publication fees reflects its unwavering commitment to fairness, accessibility, and integrity in scientific publishing. By advocating for a publishing model that prioritizes these values, CONEM ensures that scientific knowledge remains freely accessible, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of knowledge for societal betterment.