Unqualified Author, Unqualified Editor, Unqualified Journal, and Unqualified Publisher: The Gang of Four Leading to Danger in Academic Publication System

Abstract

The academic publication system is facing a significant challenge with the rise of unqualified authors, editors, journals, and publishers who engage in unethical practices. This article focuses on the case of “Lataster R”, a non-MD author with a PhD in a non-medical field, who is an anti-COVID-19 vaccine activist with hidden conflicts of interest. “Lataster R” has attempted to publish articles to dismantle the global COVID-19 vaccination system in possible predatory journals, leading to an unfair retraction of a valid criticism of his lack of qualifications. The scandal of all time on his unethical open access publication in Journal of Clinical Practice edited by Prof. Karen Grimmer and Prof. Michael Loughlin leads to a wide academic discussion on good role of editor, journal and publisher. This case serves as an example of the dangers posed by unqualified individuals in academic publishing and highlights the need for stricter regulations and sanctions to uphold the integrity of the system.