Our lab is growing! In our Three Questions series, we’re profiling each of our members and the amazing work they’re doing.

This post introduces Dr. Diego Chavarro, a Research Associate at the ScholCommLab. In this interview, Diego tells us what excites him most about his work. He also reflects on a transformative piece of advice he received from his mentor, which shaped his approach to sharing his research and cultivated in him a mindset of perseverance and lifelong learning.

Q#1 What are you working on at the lab?

I am working with Dr. Juan Pablo Alperin on assembling a database of bibliographic information from journals using Open Journal Systems (OJS), with the aim of building a quality scientometric database that can be used to perform science of science studies. This database is unique, as many journals and documents cannot be found in mainstream databases such as Scopus or Web of Science. Analyzing these data will uncover hidden portions of global science that are underestimated and marginalized by current search engines, indexers, organizations, and governments.

Q#2 Tell us about a recent paper, presentation, or project you’re proud of.

In our recent paper titled “On the Open Road to Universal Indexing: OpenAlex and Open Journal Systems,” we explored the indexing of journals using Open Journal Systems (JUOJS) by OpenAlex, revealing that 71% of the 47,625 active JUOJS have at least one article indexed, with a significant reliance on Crossref DOIs for inclusion—97% of journals using Crossref DOIs were indexed. Our findings highlight systemic disparities in global scholarly visibility, particularly the underrepresentation of resource-limited journals from low-income countries and non-English languages, emphasizing the need for inclusive indexing practices that address financial, infrastructural, and linguistic barriers. This study not only critiques the current indexing landscape but also provides a theoretical framework for understanding the complexities of scholarly infrastructure dependencies, advocating for a more equitable approach to global knowledge representation.

“I am passionate about sharing science existing outside mainstream platforms, such as knowledge produced in non-dominant places and languages. Raising awareness about its importance is crucial because when we exclude this knowledge from scientific discourse, we erase valuable insights that could benefit us all. This weakens science as a whole. I want to contribute to preventing this marginalization, ensuring a more enriched scientific landscape.”

Q#3 What’s the best (or worst) piece of advice you’ve ever received?

During a thought-provoking debate with my mentor, José Luis Villaveces, I asserted that a good researcher should only publish their best work and not publish for the sake of it. With a condescending smile, he replied: “Do you think great soccer players only play when they’re at their best? They practice and play through all kinds of matches to improve.” This moment was a revelation for me; I realized that publishing is not just about showcasing perfection but rather about contributing to the dialogue, learning through the process, and evolving as a researcher. Embracing this perspective has not only encouraged me to share more of my work, even when it feels unfinished, but it has also fostered a mindset of continuous growth and resilience in my academic journey.

Find a list of Diego’s publications here.