An index to quantify scientific debt

Abstract

I propose the index $z$, defined as $z=\sum _{i=1}^n{\mathrm{IF}}_i$, where ${\mathrm{IF}}_i$ is the impact factor of the journal in the publication year of the $i$-th retracted paper. Whereas the $h$-index is a forward-looking measure of scientific achievement, the $z$-index quantifies scientific debt. The quantity $h-z$ may provide a more balanced assessment of scientific value.