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Addressing the challenges in journal evaluation during the “covidization” of scientific research era : insights from the CAS journal ranking

Author

Listed:
  • Yahui Liu

    (General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Liying Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jiandong Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhesi Shen

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Journal impact measures are expected to demonstrate temporal stability, as journal quality typically remains consistent year-over-year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted journal evaluation systems through an unprecedented surge in highly-cited publications. While conventional metrics like the Journal Impact Factor have shown high sensitivity to these citation patterns, the CAS Journal Ranking (CJR) system has demonstrated notable stability. This study compares three metrics—JIF, Category Normalized Citation Impact, and Field Normalized Citation Success Index (FNCSI, indicator used in CJR)—under different classification systems. We find that combining FNCSI with the CWTS paper-level classification system provides superior ranking stability. This robustness stems from FNCSI’s ability to moderate the influence of highly cited papers and paper-level system’s effective clustering of COVID-19 research.

Suggested Citation

  • Yahui Liu & Liying Yang & Jiandong Zhang & Zhesi Shen, 2025. "Addressing the challenges in journal evaluation during the “covidization” of scientific research era : insights from the CAS journal ranking," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04681-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04681-7
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