"I can categorically say I hate impact factors!" Nobel Laureate Martin Chalfie 

I completely agree with this sentiment the unfortunate problem is this can only be changed by researchers. The sad part is a large proportion of mentors still believe saying 'we published 100 papers last year and 50 of them are in nature and science' is the most important part of science. As a young researcher, I hope this changes however I do not see it happening.

I am torn. On one hand, I think impact factors (IFs) are important because they are a correlative indication of a journal's judgement for good science. In that sense, this is helpful because IFs give us an idea of the best places to start looking for that good science. On the other hand, scientifically faulty and overstated papers certainly appear on high IF journals, which can be very misleading to young and seasoned scientists alike. Nonetheless, it is eye-opening and encouraging that even science giants like Dr. Chalfie criticize the very system they should supposedly be benefitting most from. In other words, we can always do better.

Spot on ... the good old days of doing science the right way by making “new” discoveries/inventions may not be lost forever after all ...

It's been eight years and still IF is most trusted parameter for your research quality. I have seen my peers publishing low quality work in high impact factor journal (~10) by paying for open access option.

Thank you.

Right on Dr. Chalfie. The biomedical research community in particular needs to get its act together and put an end to this practice somehow.

so True

I agree with this its being misused. What is important is the science and is it going to solve a problem for society or increase knowledge for a future scientist to use to solve a problem for society as we have not thought of a way to do it.

My Suggestion If our research work is not searched it doesnot mean our research article is not worth to scientific communities. My personal suggestion any research article published should have great impact to scientific community. Nedd based New research has to be initiated by researchers around the world.

If impact factor of journal is not important then How scientific skill will be measured in your scientific carrier ?

I partly disagree with this point of view as we should keep in mind that in order to have your paper published in a journal that has a high impact factor, it has to meet particular criteria such as, but not limited to, the following: - High novelty. - Being well-written, well-organized, clearly interpreted, etc. - The quality of the results. -The impact of your findings on the progress of the field. Also, a manuscript passes through a very harsh assessment process by the editorial board before even being sent to external expert reviewers. Therefore, I think that impact factor can be a very good indication of the quality of the work.

My Suggestion Earlier a student can read any research article at free of cost. Now students are finding it difficult to read research article at free of cost. Open access to all research article has to be done to encourage more students to do research..... .

My Suggestion If a student is publishing a research artilcle in a new field so searching of the journal in the internet will be less thereby the impact factor of that journal will be less. So that professional career of that student should not be judged by the impact factor. So I kindly request you to remove the impact factor in our scientific communities. A student has to be judged based upon the knowledge gained from the Ph.D Research work. Some may be good at delivering subject knowledge and so may not capable to deliver. It doesnot mean that particular student does it know about his/ her research.......

I agree, citations is more important for all

Saludos de JOACIN MONTOYA inventor de escritura global... Dónde se puede hablar sin abrir la boca... Y los mudos ban a poder hablar...

It's a manipulation of academic writers who are worked like slaves. Have to get their own funds to do research, have to pay publishers to have it published, others who need the publication have to pay the publisher and if the author gives it away for free, he/she can be sued! Time for open source publications..