In Morocco, academics from various fields encounter numerous obstacles within their academic environment—ranging from inadequate research facilities and restricted access to top-tier international publications, to the lack of robust policies supporting scientific advancement, particularly for those at the beginning of their careers. These problems become even more pronounced due to stringent global publication criteria, frequently hindering the prominence of Moroccan studies internationally. It has never been more crucial to reconsider our stance on academic publishing, reassess its quality metrics, and devise effective approaches ensuring active involvement in worldwide intellectual discourse.
Publishing Is a Worldwide Contest
In theory, academic research aims to be universally accessible, transcending boundaries and addressing a global readership. However, researchers in Morocco frequently encounter an obstacle due to the prevalent use of English. Whether one approves or disapproves, English has established itself as the key to accessing leading scholarly publications. Those aiming to contest this status quo often feel obligated to publish their work in English to achieve international acknowledgment—possibly even to transform the system from the inside out.
Rethinking Publication Formats
Journals First
Scholarly journal articles, particularly those from esteemed publishers, are generally regarded as the pinnacle in academic circles. This reputation stems primarily from their stringent peer-review process, ensuring high standards of quality and precision. Although certain academic books do experience reviews, these typically do not reach the same degree of critical examination as seen with leading journals.
This is why scholars seeking significant scholarly acknowledgment ought to focus on getting published in prestigious high-impact journals. Such venues provide validation via rigorous peer reviews and facilitate broad exposure as well as professional credibility. After establishing themselves with numerous journal articles, these academics can then progress to writing books, preferably under renowned publishers known for prioritizing authors with an impressive history of peer-reviewed contributions.
What Factors Contribute to a Journal’s Prestige?
Many people think that if a journal is ” indexed,” it automatically has high quality. However, being indexed merely indicates a technical aspect. The highest international benchmark continues to be the impact factor.
Impact Factor
, which indicates how often a journal’s articles are referenced—basically, its impact within the discipline.
Books: Rich, but Uneven
Revised editions of multi-author books provide extensive coverage of themes along with varied viewpoints. These compilations might feature articles that have been previously released or introduce fresh content derived from symposiums and studies. Nonetheless, the standard of these works can fluctuate significantly. Certain sections delve into rigorous analysis, whereas some do not. Therefore, those who are at an academic beginning stage should approach using such collections as primary sources with careful consideration.
Similarly, encyclopedias and academic handbooks frequently provide summaries of theories and concepts without delving into their underlying principles. While these resources can be helpful, they ought not to be used as main references for in-depth studies.
No Room for Self-Publishing
Academic studies often view self-published works as lacking credibility. A piece of writing needs unbiased peer review to be deemed scientifically sound. Peer assessment from outside experts with relevant qualifications is essential for scholarly publications.
The Academic Book Market
A significant number of academic publications released nowadays—including those from less familiar or non-traditional publishing houses—are often devoid of substantial scholarly merit. The majority of high-caliber works within the realms of humanities and social sciences usually originate from a select few internationally renowned publishers, many of which have ties to leading educational institutions. Additionally, several secondary-level presses still uphold strong credibility. Such books can be broadly categorized into two groups:
-
Series titles
, which are part of carefully selected collections managed by specialists in the relevant fields and undergo rigorous evaluation procedures.
-
Standalone titles
, assessed by impartial evaluators and sanctioned by editorial boards.
Each format has its merits, yet the latter often holds greater esteem.
Publishing in English: An Essential Move
It has become crucial for researchers aiming for international recognition to publish in English. Moroccan academics generating top-tier research but struggling with their command of the English language should not shy away from partnering with peers proficient in the language. Such collaboration is common scholarly practice and does nothing to undermine the merit of their studies.
Writing in French can still be a viable choice, as long as your work is published by a reputable Francophone press—an uncommon yet significant pathway. These publications frequently catch the eye of translators, scholars, and prominent English-language publishers because of the prestige associated with the initial publication house.
From Morocco to the Globe: Producing Exceptional Journals
After a researcher achieves significant academic acclaim, establishing a journal in Morocco—with collaboration from an international publishing entity—offers a robust method for globalizing Moroccan scholarly work. However, adding numerous publications without substantial merit or discernible influence provides minimal advantage. Such excess can turn into cumbersome obstacles and distract emerging academics from pursuing higher-quality prospects—particularly under organizational pressures urging rapid publication over thorough scholarship. I have encountered papers authored by novice Moroccan investigators that merited placement in premier journals but instead were published in lesser-known, scarcely noticed platforms.
This also holds true for research centers; they ought to arise
after
Researchers have established a strong track record in publications. A center’s prestige ought to be based on the quality of its members’ contributions rather than the reverse.
The Process Holds Its Own Worth
Publishing in top-tier journals—even when your manuscript isn’t selected—provides extremely valuable experience. The comments from reviewers aid in refining your arguments, enhancing your methodologies, and adhering to global norms. This educational journey ultimately yields benefits over the long run.
The Significance of Educational Connections
One of the most concerning issues may be the scarce presence of Moroccan researchers within global academic networks. This is particularly evident in my specific area of study. Due to this lack of connectivity, Moroccan scholarly work stays segregated, losing crucial chances for cooperation, involvement in conferences, and interaction with cutting-edge research findings.
To achieve this transformation, we need to concentrate on two key areas: enhancing the caliber of research and increasing involvement in international publishing. This should go hand in hand with building reputable academic institutions within Morocco. Visibility and impact on a global scale can only be attained via cooperation among researchers and between these institutions. Thus, elevating Moroccan scholarly work to its rightful prominence becomes possible.
—
Author
of
Self-Care, The Professional Development of Translators, and the Ethics of the Translator –
Ethics of
Epimeleia Heautou
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Opinion: It’s time for Moroccan academics to boost our international presence
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