Ethics in the evaluation of the quality of scientific research: An AIOM-TJ roundtable

The current scientific ecosystem is characterized by a systemic crisis driven by the Publish or Perish culture and an exponential growth in publication volumes that outpaces the number of active researchers. Here, we highlight the limitations of traditional bibliometric indicators, such as the Impact Factor and H-index, which have become targets for manipulation and enable inflationary business models, including the proliferation of special issues. To address these distortions, we explore the transformative potential of Open Science and the adoption of FAIR data principles to move from a model based on blind trust to one rooted in verifiability. Furthermore, we examine innovative evaluation frameworks, such as the independent peer review model, and the integration of artificial intelligence through Technology Assisted Research Assessment (TARA), emphasizing that human judgment must remain central to ensuring research integrity. Ultimately, the transition from quantitative metrics to qualitative assessment is an ethical duty necessary to safeguard the credibility of oncological research and the quality of patient care.