What do I do when my CV lists papers published in journals that are now delisted?

With a number of journals being recently delisted from the Web of Science[1], researchers are worried about the potential impact on their CVs. It’s a blow to find that you’ve published in a journal that is not as reputed as you think it is. It’s especially challenging if you’re at the beginning of your research career. But a single “suspect” journal on your CV doesn’t mean that your research career is derailed! If you’re worried about how a paper in a delisted journal would affect your reputation or credibility, here are some tips on how to navigate this situation.

1. Do not remove the article from your CV. The article can still indicate your worth as a scientist as long as it’s a genuine product of your own research and writing (i.e., not from a paper mill or fraud).

2. If already published, do not resubmit the article to another journal. This is considered scientific fraud. If the article is still under review and you have serious doubts about the legitimacy of the journal you have chosen, you can choose to withdraw it from the journal. However, do not submit it to any other journal without getting a written confirmation from the journal that they consider your manuscript withdrawn from publication.

3. If you feel your article contains high-quality and high-impact research, look for ways to take it forward. You can plan a follow-up study or even a literature review. But do not duplicate data from the earlier manuscript; this could be considered self-plagiarism and is also frowned upon.

4. Communicate transparently when asked about your article during interviews. As long as the manuscript is your actual work, you have the right to be proud of it. Avoid treating it like a shameful secret because this can raise questions about whether you have participated in some kind of fraud knowingly.

5. Remember that a single article will not make or break your career. Even if you’re a student and this is your sole publication, you can still highlight other projects and achievements in your CV and during interviews.

Remember that the impact of a publication is not solely determined by the journal name but also by the quality and significance of the research itself. It’s important to focus on the content and value of your work rather than solely relying on the journal’s reputation.

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