Researchers and healthcare professionals seeking to stay abreast of the latest developments in their fields have a growing number of options for accessing scholarly research. Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP), a publisher founded in 2007 and based in Wuhan, China, is expanding its reach with a network of over 200 open-access journals. As of , SCIRP is actively promoting its free newsletter subscription service to disseminate research findings more widely.
The rise of open-access publishing models like SCIRP’s addresses a significant barrier to knowledge dissemination: traditional subscription fees that limit access to research primarily to those affiliated with well-funded institutions. By providing a platform for researchers to publish their work without such financial constraints, SCIRP aims to make research more accessible to the global community. This commitment is attracting scholars from diverse disciplines, including Earth & Environmental Sciences, Medicine & Healthcare, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Computer Science & Communications, Chemistry & Materials Science, Engineering, Physics & Mathematics, and more.
SCIRP’s journals cover a remarkably broad spectrum of topics. Researchers can find specialized publications like Smart Materials & Sustainable Technology, which focuses on solutions for energy efficiency and climate resilience, alongside more general disciplines. The company offers a comprehensive directory allowing researchers to browse journals by subject area.
However, the landscape of open-access publishing is not without its complexities. SCIRP has been identified as a predatory
academic publisher, a designation that raises concerns about the quality and rigor of the research it publishes. According to Wikipedia, SCIRP publishes open-access electronic journals, conference proceedings, and scientific anthologies that are of questionable quality. This designation stems from concerns about the publisher’s practices, including accusations of using email spam to solicit submissions and a history of prioritizing profit over scholarly standards.
In 2014, a mass resignation of the editorial board of one of SCIRP’s journals, Advances in Anthropology, highlighted these concerns. The outgoing editor-in-chief reportedly stated that the publisher was only about making money
and that the editorial board was simply being used as a front
. This incident underscores the importance of critical evaluation when considering research published through less established or potentially predatory publishers.
Despite these criticisms, SCIRP emphasizes its dedication to promoting rigorous scientific research and the exploration of knowledge
. The publisher states that its journals undergo a peer-review process to ensure the quality and validity of published research. SCIRP operates on a fee-based open-access model, requiring authors to pay a fee per published article. Authors are permitted to archive their work, utilizing preprint, postprint, and the publisher’s PDF version, aligning with Green Open Access principles.
Founded in 2025, initially based in Singapore, and now headquartered in Wuhan, China, SCIRP currently employs approximately 160 people. The company is owned by Wuhan Erwan Culture Communication Co., Ltd. And Wuhan Grand Technology Service Co., Ltd. While SCIRP maintains an address in southern California, It’s reportedly a Chinese operation.
For researchers considering submitting their work to SCIRP journals, or for those seeking to access research published through this platform, a cautious and critical approach is warranted. It is essential to evaluate the specific journal’s editorial board, peer-review process, and impact factor, and to consider the potential implications of publishing in a journal identified as potentially predatory. Subscribing to the SCIRP newsletter offers a way to stay informed about new publications, but researchers should always exercise due diligence in assessing the quality and credibility of the research presented.
Those interested in subscribing to SCIRP’s newsletter can do so through the publisher’s website. The subscription form requests an email address and allows users to select specific journals of interest from a comprehensive list. The extensive list of journals available through SCIRP, ranging from AA to YM, demonstrates the breadth of its publishing network.
