Scientific Articles: A Bridge to Societal Problem-Solving

Some scholars criticize the authorities for prioritizing scientific articles and publication metrics. Critics argue that scientific articles are mostly meaningless regarding societal challenges. This belief is a misconception, as producing scientific articles is not separate from or disconnected from solving societal problems. Research and its associated scientific articles are inherently problem-based. Scientific articles are outputs of researchers reporting solutions for existing problems in different domains that affect human lives. Every scientific report is rooted in scientists’ curiosity about a recognized gap and is grounded in the scientific method (1). Studies must be useful and problem-based, especially in the context of clinical research (2). The ultimate goal of research is to improve society and the quality of life of humans (3). One notable instance is the COVID-19 vaccine (4), which not only advances knowledge and simultaneously benefits humans, but also addresses the challenges of developing technology and products. Scientific articles are a prerequisite for new technologies; the mRNA story of the COVID-19 vaccine is an instance that is reflected in the scientific articles published. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid peer review and publication of scientific articles directly influenced the knowledge on the virus, interventions, and vaccine production. Diagnostic tools, therapeutic and rehabilitation devices are all first introduced via research and published scientific articles (5, 6). Studies conducted are pieced together like a puzzle to lead to significant impacts over time. However, the impact of research outputs is not usually immediate and may take up to 9 or 12 years (7). The researchers work not only to advance knowledge, but also to ensure that their research output benefits society. The influence of research outputs on non-academic audiences is increased. While bibliometric indicators show the academic impact, altmetric indicators are used as complements to citation measures as means of social, media, informative, and political influence of research (8). The purpose of researchers is broader and goes beyond individual metrics and citations. It is directed toward solving societal problems. Scientific articles are the main means of communicating and accumulating knowledge for identifying problems. Guidelines and large-scale scientific articles (9) provide evidence-based insights for health professionals and policymakers. A shift from traditional academia to neoliberal academia has posed additional challenges for academics (10). Scientific articles are not merely science outputs; they are also instruments for solving societal problems and progress. Basic and applied research are not separated. Any policies and products require a theory. Researchers should be concerned about both theories to advance knowledge and to improve society. We should acknowledge, support, and protect scientific writing as an important core value in academia as a bridge to societal problem-solving.