Why is Institutional Email so extraordinarily evident in the Scopus-Indexed Publications?

Institutional emails are crucial in Scopus-indexed publications, as they enhance trust, professionalism, and authenticity, thereby helping to combat fraud and misconduct. While not a mandatory policy for all journals, institutional affiliations in Scopus are crucial for the credibility and citation of an article, and their absence is associated with higher retraction rates and potential bias against the work. Therefore, using an institutional email serves as a positive indicator of affiliation and legitimacy for authors.

Authenticity and Trust: An institutional email address serves as a clear indicator of a researcher's affiliation and professional credibility, making it easier to verify the author's identity.

Combating Fraud: The rise in paper mills and other fraudulent activities in academic publishing has led to increased scrutiny of email addresses. Non-institutional emails are more often associated with retracted papers and fraudulent activities, making them a potential red flag for editors and publishers.

Institutional Affiliation and Prestige: An institutional email reinforces the author's connection to a respected academic institution, which can be seen as a proxy for the quality and integrity of the research.

Access to Resources: Institutional email accounts offer access to a range of institutional resources and services, which can be particularly beneficial for conducting research and facilitating communication with fellow scholars.

Professionalism: Using an institutional email presents a more professional image compared to a personal email address, enhancing the overall picture of the author and their work.

Implications for Authors and Journals

For Authors: Using an institutional email can increase the visibility and perceived credibility of their publications in Scopus and help ensure that their work is not dismissed due to potential associations with fraudulent practices.

For Journals: Journals that have policies requiring institutional emails aim to protect against fraud and misconduct, ensuring the fairness and integrity of the publication process.

For the Research Community: The emphasis on institutional emails is part of a broader effort to uphold trust in the academic community and to ensure that high-quality research is appropriately credited and distinguished from fraudulent content.