Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND STRATEGIC VISION

Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University demonstrates a robust scientific integrity profile, reflected in an overall risk score of -0.470. The institution exhibits a commendable performance, with risk levels classified as 'very low' or 'low' in eight of the nine indicators analyzed, consistently outperforming national averages in areas such as institutional self-citation and the avoidance of hyperprolific authorship. This strong foundation in research ethics is a significant asset, particularly given the University's notable strengths in thematic areas like Arts and Humanities, Psychology, and Energy, where it holds prominent national rankings according to SCImago Institutions Rankings data. However, a single point of vulnerability emerges in the 'Rate of Output in Discontinued Journals,' which presents a medium risk and exceeds the national benchmark. This specific issue could potentially undermine the institution's core mission of achieving academic excellence and social responsibility, as it risks associating its quality research with low-integrity publication channels. By focusing strategic efforts on enhancing information literacy and due diligence in publication selection, the University can mitigate this isolated risk and further solidify its position as a leader in responsible and high-impact research.

ANALYSIS BY INDICATOR

Rate of Multiple Affiliations

The institution exhibits a Z-score of -1.399, a value indicating a very low incidence of this risk, which is well below the national average Z-score of -0.526. This demonstrates a consistent and low-risk profile that aligns with, and even improves upon, the national standard. The data suggests that the university's affiliations are managed with clarity and transparency, effectively avoiding practices that could be interpreted as strategic attempts to inflate institutional credit or "affiliation shopping," thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of its collaborative network.

Rate of Retracted Output

With a Z-score of -0.381, the institution maintains a very low rate of retracted publications, performing better than the national average of -0.173. This result indicates a healthy and consistent alignment with national integrity standards. The near-absence of retractions suggests that the quality control and supervision mechanisms prior to publication are robust and effective. This performance points to a strong institutional culture of integrity and methodological rigor, where potential errors are managed before they enter the scientific record, rather than requiring correction after the fact.

Rate of Institutional Self-Citation

The institution displays a prudent and externally-focused research profile, with a Z-score of -0.753, which is significantly lower than the national average of -0.119. This superior performance indicates that the university manages its citation practices with more rigor than the national standard. A certain level of self-citation is natural, reflecting the continuity of research lines; however, the institution's very low rate demonstrates a successful avoidance of scientific isolation or 'echo chambers.' This confirms that the institution's academic influence is built on recognition from the global community rather than being inflated by internal citation dynamics.

Rate of Output in Discontinued Journals

The institution's Z-score for this indicator is 0.386, which is higher than the national average of 0.179, signaling a medium-risk level. This suggests the university is more exposed to this risk factor than its peers across the country. A high proportion of output in discontinued journals constitutes a critical alert regarding due diligence in selecting dissemination channels. This Z-score indicates that a portion of the university's scientific production is being channeled through media that may not meet international ethical or quality standards, exposing the institution to severe reputational risks and suggesting an urgent need for improved information literacy to avoid wasting resources on 'predatory' or low-quality practices.

Rate of Hyper-Authored Output

With a Z-score of -0.451, the institution shows a low rate of hyper-authored publications, contrasting with the medium-risk level observed at the national level (Z-score of 0.074). This demonstrates institutional resilience, suggesting that internal control mechanisms are effectively mitigating a systemic risk present in the country. This low incidence indicates that authorship practices at the institution are well-governed, successfully distinguishing between necessary large-scale collaboration and potential author list inflation. This helps ensure that individual accountability and transparency in authorship are maintained.

Gap between Impact of total output and the impact of output with leadership

The institution demonstrates a prudent profile in its collaborative impact, with a Z-score of -0.531, which is considerably lower than the national average of -0.064. This indicates a more balanced and sustainable impact strategy compared to the national trend. A wide positive gap can signal a dependency on external partners for prestige. The institution's low score, however, suggests that its scientific prestige is not overly dependent on external leadership but is rooted in its own structural capacity. This reflects a healthy balance where excellence metrics result from genuine internal capabilities, ensuring long-term scientific sustainability.

Rate of Hyperprolific Authors

The institution's Z-score of -1.413 is exceptionally low, placing it in the 'very low' risk category and significantly below the national average of -0.430. This result shows a consistent and exemplary alignment with responsible productivity standards. The absence of hyperprolific authors suggests a healthy balance between quantity and quality in research output. It indicates that the institutional culture effectively discourages practices such as coercive authorship or data fragmentation, prioritizing the integrity of the scientific record over the artificial inflation of publication metrics.

Rate of Output in Institutional Journals

The institution demonstrates a clear preventive isolation from a risk that is more pronounced at the national level. Its Z-score of -0.268 (very low risk) stands in stark contrast to the country's medium-risk average of 0.119. This shows the university does not replicate the national tendency to rely on internal publication channels. By avoiding excessive dependence on its own journals, the institution successfully mitigates conflicts of interest and the risk of academic endogamy. This practice ensures its scientific production undergoes independent external peer review, which enhances global visibility and reinforces a culture of competitive validation.

Rate of Redundant Output

With a Z-score of -0.751, the institution shows a very low incidence of redundant publications, a figure that is substantially better than the national average of -0.245. This low-profile consistency underscores a commitment to producing novel and significant research. The data suggests a strong institutional norm against the practice of dividing a coherent study into minimal publishable units, often known as 'salami slicing.' This responsible approach ensures that the university contributes meaningful new knowledge to the scientific community rather than artificially inflating productivity metrics, thereby protecting the integrity of the available evidence.