Publication activity refers to the body of a researcher's published scholarly work, including articles in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and monographs. As requirements for academic qualification continue to rise, having publications in nationally or internationally recognised outlets is becoming an increasingly significant criterion in the assessment of research personnel.
What is meant by a researcher's publication activity?
Publication activity is a concept that encompasses not only the number of works published but also their qualitative characteristics: the standing of the outlets, citation rates, and indexing in academic databases. When a researcher is assessed, indicators such as the h-index, the number of publications in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science, and the presence of works in outlets recommended by state or institutional lists are all taken into account.
The list of publications accepted for a dissertation defence is governed by the regulatory acts of the relevant certification body. Researchers are advised to familiarise themselves with the current requirements of their dissertation council in advance, as lists of accepted publications and the conditions for their recognition may differ depending on the institution and academic discipline.
Requirements for publications when preparing for a dissertation defence
Publication requirements for degree candidates vary depending on the level of the dissertation, the academic discipline, and the profile of the dissertation council. Nevertheless, a number of general guidelines are applied fairly widely:
- The minimum number of publications in peer-reviewed outlets is typically no fewer than three to five articles for a candidate of sciences dissertation, depending on the field and the requirements of the council.
- Publications must reflect the key propositions and findings of the dissertation research.
- Some publications may be required to appear in journals included in approved lists of HAC or in the international databases Scopus and Web of Science.
- For certain disciplines, the presence of publications in international journals is a mandatory requirement.
Requirements for a doctor of sciences dissertation are generally stricter, including with regard to the number of works in internationally recognised outlets. The current list of requirements should be verified directly with the dissertation council or the body responsible for the certification of research personnel.
Which journals are available for publication in the regions?
Researchers building a publication portfolio have access to several categories of outlets:
- international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science – the most widely recognised option; subdivided into quartiles Q1-Q4 depending on a journal's position within its subject category
- journals included in lists of recommended publications – recognised at the national level for dissertation defence purposes; the specific current list should be verified with the relevant certification body
- conference proceedings – may be taken into account provided they meet the conditions established by the dissertation council
The choice of publication category is determined by the dissertation requirements, the researcher's academic discipline, and their level of readiness for publication.
How to verify a journal before submitting a manuscript
Before submitting an article, it is necessary to confirm the current status of the chosen journal – this will help avoid a situation in which the publication is not recognised during the certification process. The following steps are recommended:
- Verify that the journal is listed in the official databases: Scopus (via Scimago Journal Rankings) and Web of Science (via the Master Journal List).
- Confirm that the outlet does not appear in registries of predatory journals – in particular, Beall's List or similar open databases.
- Review the instructions for authors on the journal's official website: subject profile, manuscript requirements, and review timelines.
- Check that the journal's indexing remains current – a number of journals lose their indexed status, as a result of which publications in them may no longer be recognised during certification.
Particular caution is advised with regard to outlets that offer guaranteed publication within a short timeframe and without peer review.
What mistakes do authors most commonly make when publishing for the first time?
The most common difficulties encountered by first-time authors include:
- a mismatch between the topic of the article and the subject profile of the chosen journal
- insufficient development of the methodology or weak justification of the scientific novelty of the work
- failure to comply with manuscript formatting requirements – including those relating to the article structure, reference list formatting, and author details
- poor academic English when submitting to international outlets
- violations of publication ethics: improper citation, self-plagiarism, and the absence of a statement on each author's contribution
These errors frequently result in the manuscript being rejected at the initial editorial review stage (desk rejection) – that is, before the material is passed to external peer reviewers. This means the article may be returned to the author before the research itself has been assessed on its merits.
Building a publication record is a gradual process that requires an understanding of both the requirements of specific outlets and the regulatory framework applied during certification. Selecting the right journal, complying with editorial requirements, and preparing the manuscript well in advance all help to reduce the risk of rejection and avoid unnecessary delays. It is advisable to begin publishing not at the final stage of dissertation work but considerably earlier – as significant research findings become available.
Planning to publish an article? You are welcome to contact Scientific Publications. We can help you navigate current requirements, identify suitable journals, and assess your publications from an indexing perspective. To receive a free consultation, fill in the form below and our manager will be in touch shortly. On to new academic achievements!
