Publishing a manuscript can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. From enunciating research in the manuscript to selecting the right journal, researchers come long way to get their work published. However, choosing the right journal to publish plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of one’s scholarly impact. Submitting research to high impact factor journals carries significant weight in the academic landscape. The influence of high impact factor journals in broadening visibility and increasing citations cannot be ignored as they can enhance one’s impact in scholarly contributions.
Importance of Publishing in High Impact Factor Journals
Let’s address the fundamental question – What are impact factors and why should one aspire to publish in high impact factor journals? Impact Factor is a measure of the frequency with which the “average article” in a journal has been cited in a particular time period. It is commonly used as a metric to assess the importance or influence of a scientific journal in a specific field. The answer to their significance lies in the unparalleled visibility and credibility these journals provide.
When your work is published in a renowned publication, it not only reaches a wider audience but also establishes your expertise in the field. Here are some advantages of publishing in high impact factor journals:
The rigorous review process of these journals demand meticulous attention to detail, methodological robustness, and a clear explanation of the research’s broader implications. But, ever wondered how impact factor is calculated?
Calculating Impact Factor
Understanding this metric is crucial for navigating the publication landscape. The impact factor is derived by dividing the number of citations a journal receives in a given year by the total number of articles published in the previous two years. This numerical value offers insights into the journal’s influence and relevance within the scientific community. Higher impact factor generally signals broader interest and attention.
But, what can be the values for a good impact factor? Although the answer for this question is discipline-specific, the values can be used to compare journals in the same field. Therefore, it’s impossible to determine what a “bad” and a “good” impact factor is for academic journals from all fields. You can only compare the impact factor of a journal with other journals in the same category.
1. Good Impact Factor:
A good impact factor can vary by field, but in many scientific disciplines, an IF above 5 or 10 is often considered high.
2. Average Impact Factor:
In many fields, a journal with an impact factor between 1 and 5 might be considered average.
3. Low or Bad Impact Factor:
A journal with an impact factor between 0 and 1 might be considered low impact factor journals in several domains.
However, the above values do not strictly determine the “bad”, “good”, and “average” for academic journals, as different fields may have different norms and citation practices, which influence these numbers.
Top High Impact Factor Journals
Researchers often get perplexed on finding top high impact factor journals. To simplify your quest, here’s a list of top 20 high impact factor journals across various subject areas for 2024:
Sr. No. | Journal | Impact Factor |
1. | CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians | 254.7 |
2. | Lancet | 168.9 |
3. | New England Journal of Medicine | 158.5 |
4. | JAMA-Journal of the American Medical Association | 120.7 |
5. | Nature Reviews Drug Discovery | 120.1 |
6. | Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology | 112.7 |
7. | BMJ-British Medical Journal | 105.7 |
8. | Nature Reviews Immunology | 100.3 |
9. | World Psychiatry | 73.3 |
10. | Lancet Psychiatry | 64.3 |
11. | Chemical Reviews | 62.1 |
12. | Nature Climate Change | 30.7 |
13. | Science Robotics | 25 |
14. | European Journal of Epidemiology | 13.6 |
15. | Journal of Economic Perspectives | 9.944 |
16. | PRX Quantum | 9.7 |
17. | Journal of Financial Economics | 8.238 |
18. | Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition | 8 |
19. | Fish and Fisheries | 6.7 |
20. | Economic History Review | 2.487 |
Note: Different fields may have different norms and citation practices, which influence these numbers and rankings.
After identifying the potential journals, it’s essential to approach the submission process strategically. In the era witnessed by the growing developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s important to understand how high impact factor journals view the technological advancements. From enhancing peer review process to leveraging algorithms for literature commendations, many journals embrace AI in various forms. Understanding the AI stance of your selected journal is crucial for adhering your work with their guidelines.
Are you still confused on how to publish in high impact factor journals? Watch this engaging webinar to navigate the path in publishing in your research in high impact factor journals.
Your research deserves a spotlight, and traversing through the impact factor maze can help you embark on a successful academic journey.