The selection of a journal to publish the research is one of the main stages of publishing a scientific article. The importance of this stage can hardly be overestimated. It is not enough to write a high-quality scientific paper, it is also important to place it in a suitable periodical. How to choose a journal for a scientific article in order to increase the scientometric indicators and improve the scientist's rating?
To choose a scientific journal that is right for your publication goal, we recommend following 10 basic steps:
Purpose of publication
There are 2 main categories of journals for scientific publication: professional publications at the country level and international journals included in the global databases Scopus and Web of Science.
To maintain publication activity it is sufficient to place articles in scientific journals established in Uzbekistan (e.g. Central Asian Journal of Global Health or O'zbekiston Tarixi).
However, if you pursue the goal of obtaining a scientific degree, it is necessary to have a number of articles in the international scientific metrics services Scopus or Web of Science. The number of publications for obtaining a scientific degree in Uzbekistan may vary depending on the educational institution, as well as the academic title itself. However, the general recommendations can be summarized as follows:
- to obtain a PhD degree - from 2 scientific publications in rating journals indexed by Scopus or Web of Science.
- for obtaining the degree of Doctor of Science - from 5-7 scientific articles in international scientific journals, peer-reviewed database Scopus or Web of Science.
Area of research
The success of the published material directly depends on the selected scientific edition for the article placement. In order to choose a suitable publication, focus on the subject matter of the journal, the disciplines in which the journal publishes papers. The right choice of publication increases the visibility of the research and affects the rating of the scientist.
There are journals of both narrow scientific orientation - for example, professional journals registered in Uzbekistan, such as "Uzbek Journal of Physics" (publications in the field of physics), "Uzbek Journal of Chemistry" (publications in the field of chemistry), and interdisciplinary periodicals (for example, "Bulletin of the National University of Uzbekistan").
Scientific metrics of the journal
The higher the citation index and impact factor of a journal, the more prestigious it is considered to publish in it. Authoritative publications have a wide academic audience and are cited more often.
Requirements for the design of articles
Each periodical scientific publication defines its own standards and requirements for published material. Before submitting a paper to a journal, make sure that the criteria for selecting articles are suitable for you.
Cost of publication
An important factor in choosing a journal to place your research is the price for publication. The publication fee differs depending on the rating of the journal. The higher the scientometric indicators of the journal, the higher the price for placing an article in it. International journals with a high impact factor have the highest quality standards of published material and strict selection of incoming articles. Reviewers and editors in such publications have the highest level of qualification, which directly affects the pricing of publication of scientific articles.
Database in which the scientific publication is indexed
Another aspect that should be paid attention to before submitting an article to the editorial office is in which scientific database the journal is indexed. To publish articles in the field of natural sciences, it is better to choose journals peer-reviewed in the Web of Science database. For publication in the field of social sciences it is better to choose journals included in the Scopus database.
Review time
Another important criterion for selecting a journal is the time frame of the review stage. The review time differs in each scientific publication, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the terms and standards of a particular journal before submitting an article to the editorial office. Usually, journals with high citation indices have a longer period of reviewing scientific materials.
Target audience of the journal
Choose a scientific publication based on your scientific audience to increase research visibility and citation rates.
Scientific goals
Choose a scientific journal according to your professional ambitions. For example, to obtain funding for future research or grants, you need to publish in both national scientific publications and internationally ranked journals. If you are planning to get a position in a foreign educational institution or scientific organization, striving for international recognition, you cannot do without publication in ranking journals indexed by Scopus or WoS.
Publication reputation
Perhaps one of the main aspects when choosing a journal to place a scientific publication is the reputation of the publication in academic circles. With the development of the scientific field and publication activity, there are more and more so-called "predatory" editions, which imitate scientific publishing activities, but in fact do not provide the promised services for the placement of articles or do it extremely poorly for commercial gain. You can check the reputation of a journal on Scopus or WoS platforms, as well as by checking the "Bill's List" - a list of predatory journals.
If you have difficulties in choosing a scientific publication, the experts of “Scientific Publications” will help you to find a journal suitable for publication according to your publication plan. We have offers for scientists from Uzbekistan with free audit of scientific materials and selection of international publications with high indicators - "Publish in Scopus" and "Publish in Web of Science". Leave a request on the website using the online chat or contact form and we will generate a proposal specifically for you.
