====== Critical Review: Brain Sciences (MDPI) ======

**Journal:** ''Brain Sciences''  
**Publisher:** MDPI  
**ISSN:** 2076-3425  
**Scope:** Neuroscience (cognitive, behavioral, neuroimaging, clinical, molecular, computational)

===== 🧠 Overview & Strengths =====

  * **Broad scope:** Covers all aspects of neuroscience including translational and clinical applications.
  * **Indexing:** PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (SCIE), Embase, PsycINFO, etc.
  * **Open Access:** Freely available online with liberal copyright license (CC-BY).
  * **Speed:** ~15.6 days to first decision, ~1.9 days to publication after acceptance.

===== 📊 Impact & Metrics =====

  * **Impact Factor:** Indexed in SCIE, has a measurable IF (check current JCR for exact).
  * **Publication Volume:** High, with many articles published via special issues.
  * **Affiliation Mix:** About 13% of authors from top-10 institutions; rest from diverse backgrounds.
  * **Self-citation:** Within acceptable range (~15–20%).

===== ⚠️ Criticisms & Concerns =====

  * **Volume & Special Issues:** Overreliance on guest-edited special issues (~80–90% of papers).
  * **Editorial Integrity:** Past editorial board resignations in some MDPI journals.
  * **Predatory Allegations:** Previously listed by Jeffrey Beall; still controversial in some academic circles.
  * **Aggressive Solicitation:** Frequent email invitations to submit or edit issues.
  * **Reputation Downgrades:** Downgraded by Finland's Publication Forum to level 0.

===== 📚 Community Perception =====

  * Some researchers appreciate the fast, open-access format.
  * Others consider it a “quantity over quality” outlet.
  * Seen as a “gray zone” journal — not outright predatory, but with quality-control concerns.

===== ✅ Verdict =====

^ Factor ^ Strengths ^ Caveats ^
| Accessibility | Open access, fast processing | Peer review may be variable |
| Visibility | Indexed in major databases | Institutional perception may vary |
| Author Experience | Fast, supportive editorial process | Risk of publication in low-impact issues |
| Academic Value | Easy dissemination | May carry less weight in tenure/grants |

===== 📝 Recommendations =====

  * Good for early dissemination, case reports, and rapid publication.
  * Less suitable if targeting high-impact career milestones (grants, tenure).
  * Review recent articles and special issue themes before submitting.
  * Check your institution’s stance on MDPI journals.

===== 🔗 Further Reading =====

  * [[https://www.mdpi.com/journal/brainsci|Brain Sciences official page]]
  * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDPI|MDPI controversies on Wikipedia]]
  * [[https://www.scimagojr.com/journalsearch.php?q=21100367158&tip=sid|SJR Metrics for Brain Sciences]]
  * [[https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/204693/will-submitting-to-mediocre-journals-mdpi-hurt-me-in-the-long-term|StackExchange discussion on MDPI]]