Scientific databases are changing with the world. Scopus and Web of Science are introducing new technologies, including artificial intelligence, revising their journal selection policies, and stepping up the fight against predatory publications. This article discusses the main updates of 2024 and their impact on Ukrainian researchers.
The world does not stand still. Every day, even every second, the world of science gains new knowledge and discovers new methods and concepts. That is why abstract databases are trying to keep up, and sometimes overtaking it, by improving their algorithms and creating new opportunities for both publishers and researchers.
The main databases today are Scopus and Web of Science, which have become the most influential in scientific circles in recent years. Especially, everyone is aware of the pressure that is put on researchers at the beginning of their career to ensure that their articles are published in journals that are part of Scopus and Web of Science. And of course, this translates into an increased demand for publication. Which, in turn, also has several endings. From a successful publication to an article in a predatory journal. But how does a predatory publication get into such authoritative databases?
We have decided to highlight how scientific databases are updating their policies to ensure the integrity of publication and indexing of scientific journals. And much more.
Updates in Scientific Databases
So, what are the new features in Scopus? In fact, there are many updates, both significant and completely invisible to the user’s eye.
Artificial intelligence is on the agenda. Back in 2023, Scopus announced the integration of AI into scientific databases. However, the “rumors” were introduced and confirmed at the beginning of this year. This progressive tool is changing the way researchers interact with scientific databases, providing valuable information with unprecedented speed and clarity.
Features and benefits of Scopus AI
- Intuitive Search: Scopus AI allows researchers to easily navigate unfamiliar research areas, facilitating broad interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Research efficiency: This tool helps to increase the impact of scientific work through fast and accurate data analysis.
- Reliable Sources: Scopus AI uses verified and reliable sources from the Scopus database, minimizing risks and ensuring the accuracy of information.
- Fundamental Articles and Experts: The tool allows you to quickly identify key research and experts in specific fields.
- Conceptual Maps: Visualizing the connections between scientific concepts opens up new research opportunities.
Why is Scopus AI Revolutionary?
Imagine you are not an expert in a particular niche, but you are interested in learning something new. Most likely, you will ask simple questions, in simple words. And a query in normal speech without the need to use keywords or logical operators will still provide you with a complete and comprehensive answer. Particular attention can be paid to the data archive, Scopus AI analyzes documents published since 2013, providing an up-to-date overview of the scientific field. And based on the data, it instantly generates summaries based on annotations.
Scopus AI is a powerful tool for researchers that increases research efficiency and helps to open new scientific horizons. Using this tool allows you to quickly adapt to the changing conditions of the scientific world, maintaining a high level of quality and innovation in your research.
Changes in the journal selection policy
Scopus has a separate unit of independent researchers who are members of the CSAB (Scopus Content Selection Advisory Board). The CSAB is an international and editorially independent group of scientists, researchers, and librarians representing major scientific disciplines. Using strict criteria for selecting titles, these experts determine whether journals are eligible for indexing in Scopus and constantly reassess these publications to ensure that quality is maintained. Of course, the composition of this group is updated to ensure impartiality. Currently, Scopus publishes articles about the council’s consultants to introduce them to readers and reassure them of their professionalism in the field and their commitment to ensuring the quality of published research. However, can this negatively affect the evaluation of scientific journals? After all, we can raise questions about the influence and reputation of the council members and their role in selecting journals for indexing in Scopus. Won’t it happen that the council members will come under abnormal attention from dishonest publishers?
For example, won’t some unscrupulous publisher find the contact information of such a council member and influence their “objective” decision to index the journal in honest or dishonest ways? Everyone should understand that there is a human factor involved, so in such cases there is a possibility of bribes, blackmail, and other illegal things. Is it possible that this is a new “official” way to get into Scopus, initiated by Elsevier himself?
Scopus has removed links to home pages of sources
It would seem that such a headline sounds even a bit ridiculous. After all, how can a small button under the journal description globally change the scientific world?
Previously, when searching for sources, the header of the description always contained the Source Homepage, which could be used to get to the main page of the journal. Since the beginning of the year, the Scopus team has removed this button, arguing that “maintaining these links is a difficult task, and in some cases the quality of the links may be poor.”
Of course, it is difficult to control over 30,000 links and their quality. Especially if the journal’s website registration expires or the real journal website is moved to a new URL and the “old” URL is taken over by another party, worse, if the journal is hacked, attackers can create a fraudulent copy of the journal’s website or imitate the appearance of the original journal to deceive researchers. On the one hand, Scopus is responsible for the content of its database. However, where are the guarantees that when you search for a journal on the Internet by name or ISSN, you will not come across a predator, which is even more likely. And in this light, it seems that Scopus, on the contrary, absolves itself of all responsibility. The company itself assures that this decision will only improve the situation, since the site can be accessed through articles indexed in the database, through the “view at publisher” button.
But this is not a very reliable way. Of course, if you turn to a large publisher, such as Wiley, Springer, or Elsevier, there will be no problems. But if the author is looking for a journal with a narrow profile, or with a local audience, published by a university or a small company, the risk is too great.
How to publish scientific articles in 2024?
Falling into the clutches of predators is the most likely thing that can happen to a young scientist who is just building the foundation of his or her career. At each stage, they face many provocative proposals that can either engulf or scare them away, and lay down a practical explanation of scientific ethics and integrity.
So, one thing at a time:
- Avoid paper mills, in all aspects. Writing an article, buying co-authorship, quick publication in predatory journals – sooner or later this will become a big problem. We remind you that databases have become more scrupulous about indexed material. Therefore, indexing an article is not yet a success. After all, even after a year or two, retraction becomes more likely. And do not forget that a retraction from a publisher is not the best way to promote your career.
- If you are really interested in quality work and successful publication of your work, choose a submission agent company. Submission agent is an absolutely legal service that does not violate either COPE recommendations or the rules of scientific integrity, and is welcomed by publishers in their practice (but you should carefully read the rules of the publication itself).
Today’s world requires even more effort and investment from scientists, especially in the context of rapid technological development and innovation. Modern researchers must not only maintain a high level of professional competence but also actively interact with the global scientific community. This involves continuously updating knowledge, participating in international conferences, publishing research in recognized scientific journals, and developing interdisciplinary projects. At the same time, scientists have to face challenges related to ensuring their “scientific security”.
In this context, cooperation with reliable partners who can help in the publication process becomes an important support for scientists. E-Science Space, acting as an experienced Submission Agent, offers comprehensive services for the preparation and submission of scientific articles to leading international journals. Our team will help you:
- Ensure that your work meets the requirements of specific scientific journals.
- Provide professional editing and formatting of documents.
- Provide advice on compliance with scientific standards and ethical norms.
- Optimize the article submission process, saving you time and effort.
Cooperation with E-Science Space as your Submission Agent opens up new opportunities for effective and successful entry into scientific communities and publication of your work. We strive to ensure that your research activities are not only productive but also safe.
With E-Science Space, you can be sure that your research efforts will be highly appreciated by the global scientific community.
