Every scientific journal tries to be seen by researchers. The solution is to get listed by institutes and publishers which make some lists of journals and introduce them to the scientific society. One of these institutes making a list of qualified journals is ISI, which stands for “Institute for Scientific Information”. The journal which gets to place in its list is called an “ISI Journal”.

The list is a combination of journals from different countries, with different languages, and in different fields of study. There are both open access and closed access (subscription) journals, too.

The following table shows the portion of each region for the ISI journals:

Source

Among all the institutes and publishers listing journals, ISI is a most valid list in terms of journals’ quality. The list is also ordered based on the quality of journals i.e. the first place is of the highest quality.

How does ISI evaluate the quality of a journal in order to list it?

The more a journal has been seen, the more valid it is.

The question is how we would understand how much a journal has been seen? And the answer is by the number of citations it gets.

So a journal is evaluated by its published papers.

Logically, papers published in ISI journals are of high quality. So if you get to publish your paper in an ISI journal it would be more valid in academic society and would get more citations from other research papers which makes your research paper more valid itself. The action is a cycle.

 There is an institute called JCR which stands for “Journal Citation Report”. JCR dedicates a number to each qualified journal which shows the average citations it has got during the past two years. This number is called “Impact Factor”. We have been written a comprehensive article on it in “what is the impact factor?”.

Questions and Answers about “What Is an ISI Journal?”

1. What is an ISI journal?
An ISI journal refers to a scholarly journal that is indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), now part of Clarivate Analytics. These journals are recognized for their high academic standards and often publish cutting-edge research in various fields, including science, technology, medicine, and social sciences. ISI-indexed journals are considered prestigious and influential in the academic world.

2. How is an ISI journal different from other journals?
ISI journals are distinguished by their inclusion in the Web of Science database, which is curated by Clarivate Analytics. This indexing ensures that the journal meets certain criteria, such as:

• Rigorous peer review process.
• High-quality research and citation standards.
• Impact on the scientific community. Non-ISI journals may not adhere to such strict academic standards and may not be as widely recognized.

3. What does it mean for a journal to be “indexed in ISI”?
When a journal is indexed in ISI, it means that its content is included in the Web of Science database, which is a comprehensive index of the world’s leading academic literature. This indexing ensures the journal is accessible to researchers and scholars worldwide and is often used as a benchmark for the journal’s academic credibility and influence.

4. Why is publishing in an ISI journal important for researchers?
Publishing in an ISI journal is important for researchers because:

• Credibility and Recognition: ISI journals are highly regarded, and publishing in them enhances the researcher’s reputation.
• Citations: ISI journals have high visibility, and articles published in them are more likely to be cited, increasing the impact of the research.
• Career Advancement: Many academic institutions and funding agencies place a high value on publications in ISI-indexed journals when evaluating researchers for promotions, grants, or tenure.
• Global Exposure: ISI journals are widely read and cited internationally, helping researchers reach a global audience.

5. How can a journal become an ISI journal?
To become an ISI journal, a journal must undergo a rigorous evaluation process by Clarivate Analytics, including:

• Quality of Content: The journal must publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research.
• Citations: The journal’s articles must receive a significant number of citations.
• Editorial Board: The journal should have an experienced and reputable editorial board.
• Timeliness and Regularity: The journal must publish regularly and in a timely manner.
• International Recognition: The journal should have a broad international readership and author base.

6. What are some advantages of publishing in an ISI journal?
Advantages of publishing in an ISI journal include:

• Wide Readership: ISI journals are widely distributed and read by scholars, researchers, and practitioners across the globe.
• High Impact: Articles published in ISI journals are often cited more frequently, leading to a greater academic impact.
• Academic Recognition: Publishing in ISI journals is a mark of distinction and is highly valued by academic institutions and organizations.
• Increased Opportunities: Publication in ISI journals can open doors for collaborations, funding, and career advancement.

7. What does “Impact Factor” mean in the context of ISI journals?
The Impact Factor (IF) is a measure of how often articles in a journal are cited within a specific period, typically two years. Journals with higher Impact Factors are considered more influential in their respective fields. The Impact Factor is often used as a metric for evaluating the quality and reach of an ISI journal. Higher Impact Factors suggest that the journal publishes articles that are frequently cited and widely referenced.

8. How can I find out if a journal is ISI-indexed?
To check if a journal is ISI-indexed, you can search for it in the Web of Science database, which provides a comprehensive list of journals indexed by Clarivate Analytics. Many ISI-indexed journals also mention their indexing status on their websites or in their editorial information.

9. Are all journals that are indexed in the Web of Science ISI journals?
Not all journals indexed in the Web of Science are technically considered ISI journals. While all ISI journals are indexed in the Web of Science, the term “ISI journal” is typically reserved for those that meet the specific standards set by the Institute for Scientific Information and Clarivate Analytics.

10. Can an ISI journal be open access?
Yes, an ISI journal can be open access. Open access journals allow free access to their content, meaning that anyone can read and download the articles without subscription or payment. However, even open access journals must meet the rigorous standards of quality, peer review, and citation to be included in the ISI index.

11. How does ISI indexing affect the journal’s credibility?
ISI indexing significantly enhances a journal’s credibility because it indicates that the journal adheres to the highest academic standards. The peer review process, citation tracking, and editorial policies of ISI journals are designed to ensure that only high-quality research is published, making these journals a reliable source for academic research.

12. What are some well-known ISI journals?
Some well-known ISI journals across various disciplines include:

• Nature (for general science)
• The Lancet (for medicine)
• IEEE Transactions (for engineering and technology)
• Journal of Marketing (for business and marketing)
• American Economic Review (for economics) These journals are highly respected within their fields and are frequently cited by researchers.

13. How often do ISI journals publish?
ISI journals typically publish on a regular schedule, which can range from monthly, quarterly, to annually, depending on the journal. High-impact journals may publish monthly, while others might publish quarterly or even biannually. The publication frequency is often mentioned on the journal’s website.

14. Can I submit my paper to an ISI journal without prior experience?
Yes, you can submit a paper to an ISI journal even without prior publishing experience. However, it is important to ensure that your paper meets the journal’s standards for quality, originality, and relevance. It is often recommended to carefully read the journal’s submission guidelines, review the scope of the journal, and consider getting feedback from colleagues or mentors before submission.

15. How do ISI journals ensure the quality of their content?
ISI journals ensure the quality of their content by:

• Peer Review: Every article is subjected to rigorous peer review by experts in the field before publication.
• Editorial Board: The journal’s editorial board consists of scholars and experts who oversee the quality and relevance of the content published.
• Quality Standards: ISI journals adhere to strict publication ethics and maintain high standards of academic integrity in the research they publish.

16. Can an ISI journal reject a submitted article?
Yes, an ISI journal can reject a submitted article if it does not meet the journal’s standards for quality, originality, relevance, or if the research methodology is flawed. Rejection can also occur if the article is not a good fit for the journal’s scope or if it fails the peer review process.