DORA Endorsement Statement

DORA Endorsement Statement

Pakistan Journal of Zoological Sciences (PJZS | ISSN: 3105-5222) formally endorses the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and commits to responsible research assessment practices.

Our Commitment

As a signatory to DORA, PJZS affirms the following principles:

We evaluate research based on its own merits.
The quality and impact of research articles are assessed by their scientific content and contribution to the field, not by the prestige or impact factor of the journal in which they are published.

We recognize diverse research contributions.
We value all forms of scholarly output, including datasets, software, policy contributions, and community engagement, alongside traditional publications.

We are transparent in our evaluation criteria.
Our editorial and review processes are guided by clear, fair, and consistent standards that prioritize scientific rigor and ethical conduct.

We encourage responsible use of metrics.
Quantitative indicators, when used, are considered in context and alongside qualitative assessment, never as a substitute for expert judgment.

Why DORA Matters

DORA emerged from the recognition that over-reliance on journal-based metrics can distort research incentives and undervalue important contributions . By endorsing DORA, PJZS joins a global community of institutions, funders, and publishers working to create a more equitable and meaningful research assessment culture.

Implementation

PJZS is committed to putting DORA principles into practice through:

  • Editorial policies that emphasize the content of research over publication venue

  • Review guidelines that focus on scientific quality, originality, and ethical standards

  • Support for authors to document a wide range of research contributions

About DORA

The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment was launched in 2012 and has been signed by thousands of organizations and individuals worldwide . It calls for:

  • Eliminating the use of journal-based metrics in funding, appointment, and promotion decisions

  • Assessing research on its own merits

  • Greater openness and transparency in research evaluation practices 

For more information, visit the official DORA website: https://sfdora.org/

Contact

For questions about this endorsement or our responsible research assessment practices, please contact us at PJZS@ijsmartpublishing.com.