Navigating the World Academy of Science Engineering and Technology (WASET) Conferences: A Scholar's Guide
As the academic landscape continues to evolve, scholars are facing a myriad of choices when it comes to conference attendance. One organization that often comes under scrutiny is the World Academy of Science Engineering and Technology (WASET). This article aims to provide clarity on the authenticity of WASET conferences and whether attending one is worth it if your research paper gets accepted for presentation.
Are WASET Conferences Fake?
The legitimacy of WASET conferences has been questioned by many in the academic community. Several concerns have been raised, including the lack of rigorous peer review, questionable academic integrity, and high registration fees that do not provide corresponding academic value. Many scholars consider these conferences to be predatory, prioritizing profit over the quality of academic discourse.
Peer Review Process
The peer review process at WASET conferences has been a major point of criticism. Many researchers report that their papers were accepted with minimal review, which undermines the credibility of the conference. This lack of thorough vetting can significantly impact the reliability and integrity of the research being presented.
Reputation
WASET is often listed among predatory organizations by some academics. This perception can have a detrimental effect on the credibility of research presented at these conferences. Scholars and reviewers may be less likely to take the work and findings from WASET-conferences seriously, potentially impacting the academic trajectory of the participants.
Quality of Proceedings
The quality of proceedings and the networking opportunities at WASET conferences may not be on par with more reputable conferences within your field. While presenting your research can be a valuable experience, choosing a conference that is well-regarded can provide better opportunities for feedback, networking, and publication.
Should You Attend if Your Paper Gets Selected?
Networking Opportunities
If you believe that attending a WASET conference could provide valuable networking opportunities, it might be worth considering. However, weigh this against the potential stigma that comes with being associated with a predatory conference. The association might have negative impacts on your professional reputation or the perception of your research.
Academic Value
Consider whether presenting at this conference will contribute positively to your academic profile. If you are early in your career, presenting at a well-regarded conference is often more beneficial in terms of establishing credibility and building a professional network.
Alternative Options
Look for other conferences in your field that have a stronger reputation and offer better opportunities for feedback, networking, and publication. These conferences are likely to provide a more supportive and collaborative environment for researchers.
Personal Goals
Reflect on your personal goals for attending conferences. If your primary aim is to share your research, consider whether the audience and setting will be conducive to that goal. Attending a conference with a respected and well-attended session on your topic can enhance your presentation skills and make a stronger impact.
Personal Experience with WASET
One individual's personal experience with a WASET conference highlights the issues faced by many researchers. They attended a conference with a supposed session on Climate Change but ended up grouped with unrelated papers. No publication of their paper ever occurred. When they questioned the process, they faced multiple rounds of superficial reviews focused only on editorial changes, never addressing content. The conference organizers seemed to be waiting for them to give up, which they did eventually, without any refund of their conference fees. This experience underscores the potential pitfalls of attending such conferences.
While WASET conferences are not necessarily fake, the concerns raised by the academic community and personal accounts like these indicate that they may not be worth the time and resources invested. Before attending any conference, it is crucial to research and evaluate the conference's reputation, the quality of the peer review process, and the potential return on investment in terms of academic and professional gains.