MANY universities around the world pay academics to publish their research. Our recent study in South Africa, though, suggests they should be cautious of such practices. SIOUX MCKENNA, Director of Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Rhodes University DR EVELYN MUTHAMA, Postdoctoral Fellow, Rhodes University The country’s Department of Higher Education and Training funds public universities for every article published in academic journals on any of six accredited lists. The lists include journals that meet various quality indicators such as peer review. The idea is that funding will drive the country’s participation in the knowledge economy through its contribution to research. Universities…