Criteria for Acceptance of Scientific Journals

The evaluation of scientific journals is based on a rigorous set of criteria designed to ensure their quality, academic relevance, and international impact. These criteria are organized into several essential dimensions, each making a significant contribution to the recognition and integrity of the publication.

1. Content Quality

The foundation of any scientific journal lies in the quality of the articles it publishes.

Article Quality : Clarity, methodological rigor, originality, and relevance of the subject matter.
Title Quality : Precise, informative, accurately reflecting the article’s content.
Abstract Quality : Faithful and structured summary of content with key results.
Keyword Quality : Representative, relevant, and consistent with the disciplinary field.
Reference Quality : Up-to-date, academic, properly formatted.
Content Quality : Logical coherence, analytical depth, contribution to research.

2. Metadata and Author Profiles

A quality journal values transparency and traceability of contributions.

Author Metadata : Complete and standardized information (first name, last name, institution, country, email).
Author Affiliation : Clarity of affiliated institutions, ideally verifiable via ROR.
ORCID Percentage : Integration of ORCID identifiers to ensure academic identity.
Author Publications : Demonstrated experience in the research field.
Author Diversity : Varied geographic origin and equitable gender representation.

3. Publisher and Technical Infrastructure

The editorial environment must be transparent, reliable, and based on best practices.

Publisher and System : Clear presence of an identified publisher with an established editorial structure.
Publisher ROR : Link to an institutional identifier via the ROR system.
OJS System : Use of recognized platforms such as Open Journal Systems (OJS) for editorial management.
Dedicated Website : The journal must have its own professional website, regularly updated and preferably based on OJS, to ensure optimal visibility, efficient editorial process management, and easy access to content.
DOI Count : Systematic assignment of DOIs to ensure permanent article identification.

4. Accessibility and Presentation

Access to scientific knowledge must be facilitated through an intuitive interface that respects technical standards.

Technical Aspect : Site stability, loading speed, data security.
Design Quality : Clear interface, responsive, aesthetic suited to scientific readership.
Web Accessibility : Compliance with accessibility standards (WCAG), inclusive navigation.

5. Metrics and Impact

A quality journal demonstrates visibility and measurable engagement within the scientific community.

Crossref Citations : Number of citations measured via recognized services.
Impact Factor : Presence in influential databases (Scopus, WoS, etc.).
Visibility : Indexing in recognized databases, optimal search engine ranking (SEO).
Engagement : Activity on academic networks, interaction with the community.

6. Information and Transparency

Transparency is a guarantee of trust and professionalism.

Publisher Information : Clear presentation of the editorial team and their roles.
Publication Policy : Copyright policy, open access, legal deposit.
Publication Fees : Clear and justified disclosure of any APCs (Article Processing Charges).
Review Process : Transparent description of the evaluation method (peer review).
Review Speed : Average manuscript processing time, indicator of responsiveness.
Reviewer Quality : Field experts, impartiality, diversity.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusivity strengthens academic legitimacy and scientific openness.

Geographic Diversity : Involvement of authors and editorial members from different regions of the world.
Committee Diversity : Disciplinary and geographic balance within the editorial board.
Linguistic Inclusion : Multilingual publication or open language policy.

8. Additional Criteria

Certain practices enhance the sustainability and innovation of journals.

Ethical Compliance : Adherence to ethical principles in research and publication.
Data Preservation : Long-term content preservation (LOCKSS, Portico, etc.).
Innovation : Use of advanced technologies, digital enhancements, AI integration, or multimedia content.