Scopus Discontinued List 2022: What You Need To Know

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 53 views

Navigating the world of academic publishing can be tricky, especially when it comes to keeping track of which journals are indexed in major databases like Scopus. Guys, in this article, we're diving deep into the Scopus discontinued list for 2022. This is super important for researchers, academics, and anyone involved in scholarly work. Knowing which journals have been dropped from Scopus helps you make informed decisions about where to submit your work and where to find reliable research. So, let’s get started and break down everything you need to know!

Understanding the Scopus Discontinued List

The Scopus discontinued list is a register of journals that have been removed from the Scopus database. Scopus, owned by Elsevier, is one of the largest abstract and citation databases of peer-reviewed literature, including scientific journals, books, and conference proceedings. Being indexed in Scopus is a mark of quality and visibility for any academic publication. However, Scopus regularly evaluates the journals it indexes, and those that no longer meet its quality standards or fail to adhere to its guidelines are discontinued.

Why Journals Get Discontinued

There are several reasons why a journal might find itself on the Scopus discontinued list. Here are some of the most common:

Quality Concerns: Scopus maintains high standards for the journals it indexes. If a journal's quality declines, it may be discontinued. This can include issues like a drop in the quality of articles, a lack of rigorous peer review, or evidence of plagiarism or unethical practices.
Publication Irregularities: Journals that exhibit irregularities in their publication schedule or processes may be flagged for discontinuation. This includes issues like publishing articles that are not within the journal's scope, failing to publish issues on time, or making significant changes to the journal's focus without proper notification.
Low Citation Impact: Scopus evaluates journals based on their citation impact. If a journal consistently receives a low number of citations, it may be considered for discontinuation. Citation impact is an important metric because it reflects how often a journal's articles are being used and referenced by other researchers.
Editorial Issues: Problems with a journal's editorial board or processes can also lead to discontinuation. This includes issues like a lack of diversity on the editorial board, conflicts of interest, or a failure to address concerns raised by the academic community.
Ethical Violations: Journals that are found to have violated ethical standards, such as publishing fraudulent data or engaging in unethical practices, are likely to be discontinued. Ethical conduct is paramount in academic publishing, and Scopus takes these violations very seriously.

How Scopus Evaluates Journals

Scopus uses a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate journals for inclusion and continued indexing. These criteria include:

Publication Policy: The journal's policies on peer review, ethics, and transparency are assessed.
Content Quality: The quality of the articles published in the journal is evaluated, considering factors like originality, rigor, and clarity.
Journal Standing: The journal's reputation and standing within its field are taken into account.
Citation Analysis: The journal's citation impact is analyzed to determine how often its articles are being cited by other researchers.
Editorial Board: The composition and expertise of the journal's editorial board are considered.

Key Takeaways from the Scopus Discontinued List 2022

Okay, so what were the main highlights from the Scopus discontinued list in 2022? Understanding this can help you avoid potential pitfalls in your publishing strategy. The list included journals from various fields, reflecting Scopus’ commitment to maintaining quality across all disciplines. A significant number of journals were discontinued due to low citation impact, emphasizing the importance of publishing in journals that are widely read and cited within your field. Several journals were also removed due to irregularities in their publication practices, highlighting the need for journals to adhere to ethical and procedural standards. Also, journals that were removed for ethical violations send a clear message about the importance of maintaining integrity in academic publishing.

Notable Journals Discontinued in 2022

While the full list is extensive, there were some notable journals that were discontinued in 2022. These journals spanned various disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), social sciences, and humanities. Some of the discontinued journals had a regional focus, while others were more international in scope. It’s important to review the full list to see if any journals in your specific field were affected. You can usually find the complete list on the Scopus website or through official announcements from Elsevier. Reviewing the list will help you stay informed and make better decisions about where to submit your work.

Implications for Researchers and Academics

So, why should you care about the Scopus discontinued list? Well, there are several important reasons. First off, publishing in a journal that is indexed in Scopus can enhance the visibility and impact of your research. Scopus is widely used by researchers and academics around the world, so being indexed in this database can increase the chances that your work will be discovered and cited. Secondly, Scopus-indexed journals are generally considered to be of higher quality than non-indexed journals. This is because Scopus has strict criteria for inclusion, so being indexed in Scopus is a sign that a journal has met certain standards for quality and rigor. Finally, many institutions and funding agencies use Scopus as a benchmark for evaluating research performance. Publishing in Scopus-indexed journals can improve your chances of getting tenure, promotion, or funding.

Impact on Publication Strategy

The Scopus discontinued list can have a significant impact on your publication strategy. If you were planning to submit your work to a journal that has been discontinued, you'll need to find an alternative. This could mean targeting a different journal within the same field, or expanding your search to journals in related disciplines. It's also important to carefully evaluate the quality and reputation of any journal before submitting your work. Look for journals that are indexed in reputable databases like Scopus and Web of Science, and check their impact factor and citation metrics. Additionally, you want to make sure to review the journal's editorial policies and ethical guidelines to ensure that they align with your own values and standards.

Impact on Literature Reviews

The Scopus discontinued list can also affect your literature reviews. If you're relying on articles from journals that have been discontinued, you may need to reassess your findings. This doesn't necessarily mean that the information in those articles is incorrect, but it does mean that the journal may no longer meet Scopus' quality standards. In such cases, it's important to corroborate your findings with other sources and to critically evaluate the quality of the research. Additionally, you might want to consider expanding your search to include articles from other journals or databases to ensure that you're getting a comprehensive overview of the literature.

How to Find and Verify Scopus Indexed Journals

Okay, so how do you make sure a journal is actually indexed in Scopus? Don't worry, I've got you covered! There are several ways to find and verify which journals are indexed in Scopus.

Scopus Website: The most reliable way to check if a journal is indexed in Scopus is to use the Scopus website. Elsevier provides a searchable database of all journals indexed in Scopus. You can search by journal title, ISSN, or publisher to confirm whether a journal is currently indexed. This is the most direct and up-to-date method.
Scopus Source List: Scopus also provides a complete list of all active and discontinued sources, which includes journals, book series, and conference proceedings. This list is updated regularly and can be downloaded in various formats, such as Excel or CSV. You can use this list to verify whether a journal is indexed and to get information about its coverage dates and subject areas.
Journal Websites: Many journals that are indexed in Scopus will prominently display this information on their website. Look for statements like "Indexed in Scopus" or the Scopus logo on the journal's homepage or in the "About" section. However, it's always a good idea to double-check this information on the Scopus website to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
Ulrichsweb: Ulrichsweb is a directory of periodicals that provides information about journals, including their indexing status. You can use Ulrichsweb to check if a journal is indexed in Scopus, as well as other databases. This can be a useful tool for getting a comprehensive overview of a journal's indexing status.

Tips for Ensuring Journal Quality

To ensure the quality of the journals you're targeting, consider the following tips:

Check the Journal's Impact Factor: The impact factor is a measure of how often articles in a journal are cited. Journals with higher impact factors are generally considered to be more influential.
Review the Editorial Board: A strong editorial board is a sign that a journal is committed to quality. Look for journals with editorial boards that include leading experts in the field.
Read the Journal's Aims and Scope: Make sure that your work aligns with the journal's aims and scope. Submitting your work to a journal that is not a good fit can lead to rejection.
Evaluate the Peer Review Process: A rigorous peer review process is essential for ensuring the quality of published articles. Look for journals that have a transparent and thorough peer review process.

Staying Updated on Scopus Changes

To stay informed about changes to the Scopus database, it's important to follow these best practices. Regularly check the Scopus website for updates and announcements. Elsevier typically publishes announcements about changes to the Scopus database, including additions, discontinuations, and other important updates. Also, sign up for email alerts from Scopus to receive notifications about new developments. Scopus offers email alerts that you can subscribe to in order to stay informed about changes to the database. You can also follow Elsevier and Scopus on social media to receive timely updates. Elsevier and Scopus are active on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where they share news and announcements about the database. Lastly, participate in academic communities and forums to discuss changes to the Scopus database with other researchers and academics. Sharing information and insights with your peers can help you stay informed and make better decisions about your research and publishing strategies.

Resources for Researchers

Scopus Website: The official Scopus website is the primary source of information about the database.
Elsevier Support: Elsevier provides support resources for researchers, including FAQs, tutorials, and contact information.
Academic Libraries: Academic libraries are valuable resources for researchers, providing access to databases, journals, and other scholarly materials.
ResearchGate and Academia.edu: These platforms allow researchers to connect with colleagues and share information about their work.

Conclusion

Keeping tabs on the Scopus discontinued list 2022 is crucial for researchers and academics aiming for impactful and credible publications. By understanding why journals are discontinued and how to verify if a journal is Scopus-indexed, you can refine your publication strategy and ensure your work reaches the right audience. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of academic publishing. So, stay curious, keep researching, and happy publishing, guys!"