When preparing a research paper, scientists turn to scientometric databases as a source of information and analyse the possibilities for future publication of their work. There are many such databases in the world, but it is important to choose only reliable and reputable resources for both searching for materials and disseminating your own research results. Which databases should you avoid?
Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI)
The Russian Science Citation Index is a national database focused primarily on indexing Russian and Russian-language scientific publications. Its key goal is to increase the accessibility and dissemination of Russian research. However, the RSCI does not have a high reputation internationally and is subject to mixed reviews.
The National Attestation Commissions (NAC/HAC) of post-Soviet countries, as well as the international scientific community, are actively discussing the possibility of removing the RSCI from the list of peer-reviewed scientific publications that are allowed to publish the main results of dissertation research.
Why is the RSCI criticised in the scientific community?
- Insufficient level of scientific expertise. The RSCI is often criticised for the low level of peer review of a number of journals included in the database. It may contain publications that do not ensure strict quality control, which reduces the overall level of published research and hinders the development of science.
- Poor international reputation. Compared to recognised platforms such as Scopus and Web of Science, the RSCI does not enjoy high credibility. This complicates the process of searching for and citing Russian research papers abroad, reducing their visibility in the global scientific space.
- Lack of English-language content. Most of the articles in the RSCI are published in Russian, which makes them inaccessible to the international scientific community. The absence of a wide representation of English-language materials limits the impact of Russian research on global science.
- Non-compliance with international standards. Russian scientific journals often use a format and style of article design that differs from international standards, which makes it difficult to integrate into the global scientific space.
- Low impact factor. Many Russian journals indexed in the RSCI have a low impact factor, which indicates that their articles are rarely cited. This reduces their impact on the development of scientific debate and the dissemination of new knowledge.
Some scholars point out that a significant number of journals in the RSCI publish materials for a fee without an adequate level of peer review. There is also an opinion that the database contains many publications with a low scientific level, which makes it difficult to find quality publications. In some cases, suspicions have been raised about possible manipulation of scientometric indicators by the RSCI administration.
ULAKBIM
ULAKBIM is a national Turkish scientometric database founded in 1996. It is an important tool for researchers in Turkey, but its influence at the international level is significantly inferior to such global platforms as Scopus and Web of Science.
The main disadvantages of ULAKBIM for international researchers:
- Limited international indexing. The database is focused mainly on Turkish scientific journals, which significantly reduces its global impact.
- Language barrier. Most publications are in Turkish, which makes them difficult to use for foreign researchers.
- Limited subject matter. Although ULAKBIM covers a variety of fields, its focus on national research may limit access to a wider range of international work.
- Lower global visibility. Compared to Scopus and Web of Science, the database has a lower level of citation and prestige.
- Dependence on Turkish scientific policies. Possible changes in government support may affect the development and availability of the database.
Index Copernicus
Index Copernicus was created in 1999 in Poland and is an online database of scientometric data containing information about scientific institutions, publications and projects. Users can add data on their own, as well as use research evaluation tools that allow them to analyse the impact of publications, individual researchers, and research organisations.
However, Index Copernicus is often criticised by academics and has sparked debate about its reliability. Literature reviews based on the materials in this database are rare. As of 2025, thousands of journals are indexed in Index Copernicus, and their number continues to grow.
The main reasons for criticism of Index Copernicus
- Low reputation among scientists. Unlike reputable platforms such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Springer, Index Copernicus is not highly trusted in the academic community. Journals indexed exclusively in this database often raise doubts about their quality and recognition in the academic community.
- Presence of predatory journals. Index Copernicus is known for the fact that its database contains so-called predatory journals - commercially oriented publications that do not adhere to the standards of peer review and publication ethics. Publications in such journals are not recognised by the scientific community, which can lead to a loss of time and financial resources for authors.
- Lack of strict standards. The Index Copernicus database indexes journals without strict quality control, which allows including publications that do not meet international requirements for scientific publications.
The successful publication of a scientific article is an important step in the development of every scientist, as it opens up new opportunities for career growth. Publications are necessary for obtaining academic degrees, receiving grants, and even for successful certification. Therefore, it is very important to take a balanced approach to choosing a database and journal for publication, as this determines not only the visibility of your research but also the possibility of successfully realising your research ambitions. Choose only reputable and recognised resources.
Do you need help with publishing a scientific article or choosing a scientific journal? Contact “Scientific Publications”! Thanks to our many years of experience, we guarantee you a successful job at the highest level. Fill out the form below and our manager will contact you shortly for a free consultation. Together to successful publication and achievement of goals!
