Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Health Information Management 1735-7853 22 Number 4 (Winter) 2025 12 22 When Scientometric Metrics Become the Goal of Research When Scientometric Metrics Become the Goal of Research 33326 10.48305/him.2026.46314.1402 FA نامه Name Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 0000-0002-1904-0999 Ghasem Zarei 1- مرکز تحقیقات فیزیولوژی کاربردی، پژوهشکده تحقیقاتی قلب و عروق، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران. Elham Shahzeidi دانشجوی دکترای فلسفه تعلیم تربیت، گروه علوم تربیتی، واحد اصفهان (خوراسگان)، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، اصفهان، ایران. Journal Article 2026 05 23 Criticizing indexation does not mean completely rejecting scientometric indicators. If used correctly, these indicators can be useful tools for analyzing patterns of science production and helping research policy-making. The main issue is when these tools replace scientific judgment and qualitative assessment. A balanced strategy is to consider quantitative indicators alongside criteria such as clinical effectiveness, impact on health policies, solving local problems, and the extent of scientific collaboration. Ultimately, it seems that the challenge of indexation in the life sciences should be seen as a symptom of a deeper problem: The crisis of meaning and responsibility in scientific activity. Returning to the social mission of science requires reforming evaluation systems, strengthening the culture of research integrity, and emphasizing the teaching of professional ethics alongside technical skills. In this regard, the role of professors as behavioral models is of particular importance, because scientific culture is transmitted through practical models rather than being shaped through regulations. If prominent researchers can demonstrate that reaching the frontiers of knowledge and responding to the real needs of society are aligned goals, perhaps the path of science can be guided from a mere competition for indicators to a real impact on human lives. Criticizing indexation does not mean completely rejecting scientometric indicators. If used correctly, these indicators can be useful tools for analyzing patterns of science production and helping research policy-making. The main issue is when these tools replace scientific judgment and qualitative assessment. A balanced strategy is to consider quantitative indicators alongside criteria such as clinical effectiveness, impact on health policies, solving local problems, and the extent of scientific collaboration. Ultimately, it seems that the challenge of indexation in the life sciences should be seen as a symptom of a deeper problem: The crisis of meaning and responsibility in scientific activity. Returning to the social mission of science requires reforming evaluation systems, strengthening the culture of research integrity, and emphasizing the teaching of professional ethics alongside technical skills. In this regard, the role of professors as behavioral models is of particular importance, because scientific culture is transmitted through practical models rather than being shaped through regulations. If prominent researchers can demonstrate that reaching the frontiers of knowledge and responding to the real needs of society are aligned goals, perhaps the path of science can be guided from a mere competition for indicators to a real impact on human lives.