Publishing and Disseminating Knowledge in Scientific Journals: Challenges and Decisions

Abstract

Why do we research, write, and publish scientific articles? Literally, to share scientific discoveries that are relevant to the advancement of knowledge and its products (technical and technological), as well as to communicate the possible benefits of its results to society. In practical terms, for researchers, students, and professionals who research, it means publicizing to the scientific and professional community what is thought and produced in a certain area of knowledge, in order to obtain recognition for their theoretical, methodological, or technical contributions. However, it also means expanding its participation in networks of national and international researchers, getting good technical evaluations in academia and in the research funding agencies, acquiring necessary technological and economical support and sufficient human resources for production and dissemination of scientific knowledge. Producing scientific knowledge is the “raw material” of the researcher’s work. Once disseminated in scientific journals, the knowledge produced and shared with society is ready to be transformed and valued socially and economically in the provision of professional services, in teaching, in the elaboration of projects and programs, and in the theoretical-technical support of methods and technical resources. A scientific publication, on the other hand, is a kind of material certification of the knowledge produced. It is evaluated, on its merits, by members of the scientific community through double blind peer review, based on its relevance, methodological accuracy, results, and contributions to society.