What Are ISI-Indexed Journals & How to Find Them Easily

In the world of scientific research, a researcher’s achievement is not only measured by the number of studies they write, but also by the quality of the journals they publish in. Journals indexed in international databases like ISI or Scopus are considered an important standard for evaluating the impact and originality of scientific research. For this reason, universities and scientific institutions encourage their researchers to publish in these journals, as they ensure rigorous peer review, strict editorial standards, and quality content.

Publishing in an indexed journal enhances a researcher’s academic reputation and opens up opportunities for promotion and collaboration with prestigious research institutions. Educational and research institutions also measure their research performance based on the number of publications in databases like Web of Science and Scopus.

In this article, we will highlight the concept of ISI-indexed journals, explain how to find them, highlight the most prominent Arabic ISI-indexed journals, and explain the difference between ISI and Scopus to help the researcher make the right decision before publishing.

What Is Meant by ISI?

The abbreviation ISI refers to the Institute for Scientific Information, a scientific institution founded in the United States in 1960, which became famous for publishing a scientific reference database that was used to classify journals according to their impact. Later, ISI ownership was transferred to Clarivate Analytics, which now manages the Web of Science database and Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

ISI-indexed journals are those included in the Web of Science databases and must meet a set of strict criteria before acceptance, such as regular publication, strength of the editorial board, and importance of the published research. These journals are classified based on the “Impact Factor”, an indicator calculated annually that reflects the citation rate of research published in the journal.

ISI database is one of the most important tools for evaluating the quality of scientific publications worldwide, and in many universities around the world (especially in graduate programs), research must be published in an ISI-indexed journal to be academically approved.

What Are the Arabic Isi-indexed Journals?

Although most ISI-indexed journals are published in English, someArabic journalshave managed to secure a place in this classification by meeting the required standards in terms of quality, regularity, and academic peer review.

Among the most prominent Arabic ISI-indexed journals are:

1. Arabian Journal of Geosciences

2. Journal of King Saud University – Science

3. Journal of Educational and Psychological Sciences issued by the University of Bahrain

4. Journal of Administrative Sciences issued by King Saud University

Most of these journals are published in English or in Arabic with English abstracts and appendices, making it easier to index them in Web of Science databases. These journals have succeeded in obtaining an impact factor, making them part of the list of reliable journals for academic publishing.

Characteristics of Arabic Isi-indexed Journals Include:

1. Existence of a specialized and neutral scientific editorial board

2. Commitment to international publishing ethics

3. Regular publication (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual)

4. Transparency in acceptance and rejection policies

5. Diversity of topics within the scientific field

Despite the limited number of Arabic ISI-indexed journals compared to their international counterparts, the number is continuously increasing due to the support and encouragement of Arab universities to develop their journals to meet global standards.

The Difference Between ISI and Scopus

Both ISI (now known as Web of Science) and Scopus (owned by Elsevier) are among the most famous global databases used to classifyscientific journals. Although the main goal of both is to index high-quality research and journals, there are fundamental differences between them in terms of criteria and coverage.

In Terms of the Operating Entity:

• ISI is currently managed by Clarivate Analytics, and it uses the Web of Science database and Journal Citation Reports to evaluate journals.

• Scopus is overseen by Elsevier, and it is a comprehensive platform that includes research, journals, and citation data.

In Terms of Coverage and Number of Journals:

• Scopus covers a larger number of journals compared to ISI, including journals from various languages and disciplines.

• While ISI relies on stricter criteria for accepting journals, making its number smaller but often of higher quality.

In Terms of Using Impact Factors:

• ISI provides what is known as the Impact Factor, which is the most well-known and relied upon in academic circles.

• As for Scopus, it relies on other indicators such as CiteScore, SNIP, and SJR to evaluate journals.

In Terms of Arabic Journals:

• Scopus includes a larger number of Arabic journals compared to ISI.

• However, publishing in a journal classified under ISI is considered more distinctive and acceptable in many universities.

Which system is better? This depends on the requirements of the entity requesting publication (university, funding body, academic institution). In many cases, publication in both is accepted, but publishing in a journal with an ISI impact factor often carries greater value in academic evaluations.

How Do I Find Scientific Journals Classified Under ISI?

For researchers seeking to publish in journals classified under ISI, there are specific steps to follow to find the appropriate journal and avoid falling into the trap of fake or predatory journals.

Step 1: Access the Clarivate Website

• Go to the official Clarivate website via:https://mjl.clarivate.com/

• This website contains the Master Journal List tool, which is the official platform for searching for journals indexed in Web of Science.

Step 2: Use the Search Tool

• You can search by journal name, ISSN, or scientific specialty.

• Filters can also be used to specify language, country, or indexing type (such as Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index).

Step 3: Verify the Impact Factor

• Journals classified in ISI have an Impact Factor that is updated annually in Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

• You can check this index through the official website or through universities that provide a subscription to the JCR database.

Step 4: Download the Journal Guide by Subject

• Some universities provide PDF or Excel files containing a list of journals classified in a specific subject, updated annually.

• You can refer to your university’s electronic library to obtain these files.

By following these steps, the researcher ensures that the journal they intend to publish in is internationally recognized and credible, which increases the chances of research acceptance and enhances its scientific impact.

How to Verify Journal Credibility Before Publishing

Before a researcher begins submitting their research for publication, it is essential to ensure that the chosen journal is reliable and actually classified within ISI or Scopus databases. This is to avoid falling prey to predatory journals that claim classification without actually having it.

Here Are the Main Steps to Verify Journal Credibility:

• Check If the Journal Is Listed in Clarivate’s Master Journal List:

  • Enter the journal name or ISSN number and ensure that the search results indicate its indexing in one of the Web of Science databases.

  • Verify the Impact Factor and coverage history.

• Check the Journal’s Official Website:

  • Ensure the website uses an official domain and includes clear information about the publication policy, editorial board, and journal objectives.

  • Beware of websites that do not display actual content or charge excessive publication fees.

• Use Specialized Tools Such as Think. Check. Submit.:

  • This international initiative provides a checklist to help you evaluate academic journals, especially in verifying credibility and integrity.

• Inquire With the University Library or Academic Supervisor:

  • Often, universities have updated databases of classified journals and recommendations on recognized institutions.

• Avoid Journals That Claim Classification Without Evidence:

  • Some journals state they are ‘classified in ISI’ or ‘have an Impact Factor’ without providing clear evidence or an official link. Always verify these claims yourself.

Choosing the appropriate journal for scientific publication depends not only on its classification but also on its suitability for the research field, specialization, and language. Therefore, prior verification saves a lot of effort and time.

Important Tips for Researchers When Choosing a Journal

Choosing the right journal for publication is a critical decision in a researcher’s academic journey, especially if they aim to publish in an ISI-indexed Arabic journal. Here are some tips to help make the right decision:

• Choose a Journal That Matches Your Specific Specialty:

  • Don’t publish in a general journal if your research is in a specialized field like Islamic economics or nanotechnology. A specialized journal increases your chances of acceptance and citation for your research.

• Review the Author Guidelines:

  • Each journal has its own standards regarding word count, citation method, section arrangement, and submission requirements. Read them carefully before submitting your research.

• Check the Publication Language:

  • Some ISI-indexed Arabic journals accept publication only in English, or require a precise scientific translation of the abstract.

• Verify the Average Review and Publication Period:

  • Delays in the peer review or publication process may hinder the researcher’s plans, especially if they are required to submit the research within a specific timeframe.

• Review Previous Issues:

  • Examining published articles gives you an idea of the quality of accepted research, the expected writing style, and the topics that interest the journal.

• Connect With Colleagues or Researchers Who Have Previously Published:

  • Learning from others’ experiences, especially in the same specialty, can help you choose the right journal and avoid mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Isi-indexed Arabic Journals

Does every journal with an impact factor qualify as ISI?
No, some journals may have alternative metrics like CiteScore or SJR within Scopus, but don’t have an official Impact Factor from ISI. Only journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports are considered ISI.

What is the main difference between ISI and Scopus in terms of academic recognition?
In many universities, ISI journals are considered more reliable, especially for academic promotion and approved publication. However, Scopus is also recognized, and it’s best to refer to the policy of the relevant academic institution.

Can a master’s or doctoral student publish in ISI?
Yes, graduate students are allowed to publish in ISI journals, and they are encouraged to do so, especially when applying for doctoral programs or academic positions.

How long does the peer review process take in ISI journals?
It varies from journal to journal, but it typically ranges from two to six months, and may increase depending on the number of reviews and comments.

Conclusion

ISI-indexed scientific journals represent a gold standard for academic publishing quality and serve as a gateway to reaching a wide scientific audience and enhancing the researcher’s academic value. Although finding ISI-indexed Arabic journals may be more challenging, their numbers are increasing, reflecting the development of scientific research in the Arab world.

By understanding the differences between ISI and Scopus, and knowing how to verify a journal’s ranking, a researcher becomes better equipped to choose the appropriate platform for publishing their scientific efforts, achieving the recognition and dissemination they deserve.