Insights into Imaging has decided not to apply for inclusion in the journal Web of Science.
In a statement published online on 15 October, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Robert Hermans and Dr. Paul Parizel, the European Society of Radiology Publications Committee chairperson, wrote that the journal's short life span and lack of an impact factor (IF) played a role in its decision. "Specifically, it has become very difficult to be included as a new journal if the expected IF is less than 1," they noted.
Thomson Reuters, the company behind Web of Science and the journal impact factors, is "very critical about allowing new journals to be included in their index," the authors added. In addition, if Insights into Imaging's request is rejected, there is a three-year waiting period before it can apply for inclusion again.
By publishing "well-written manuscripts with state-of-the-art and relevant information," the journal anticipates it will increase the number of citations published of its articles, which is a key factor in calculating an impact factor.
"We believe this is the best strategy to ensure the most rapid inclusion of our journal into the Web of Science, allowing us to enter by the front door rather than trying to sneak in via a back door," the authors added.
