FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the JUFO levels, publication types and the use of the classification.
Proposals
Members of the scientific community can participate in the Publication Forum classification by proposing new publication channels to be added to the classification and by proposing changes to the level of rated publication channels.
Publication channel search
Publication channels registred to the Publication Forum database can be searched via the Publication Forum portal.
Panels
The most important task assigned to the Panels is the evaluation and classification of academic publication channels in the fields covered by each individual Panel. The practical evaluation work takes place through a web portal designed for the Panellists’ use. The Panels only convene when necessary and mainly for the introduction of their work and during the review of ratings. When needed, joint meetings of the Panel chairs are also organised.
Decision on publication channel
For peer-reviewed articles and monographs, the decision on the Publication Forum level calls for the identification of the correct publication channel. The choice of the channel depends on the type of publication.
Decision on publication type
All writings published by academic journals, conferences or book publishers are not scientific or peer-reviewed but one publication channel can include both refereed and non-refereed publications. The first step to take is to determine whether a publication is, indeed, scientific and peer-reviewed as defined in the data collection by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Decision on level of individual publications
In the case of individual articles or books, the rating factors include the publication type awarded to the article or book in question in the data collection procedure of the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as the series, conference or book publisher used as the publication channel. The Publication Forum level in force in the year in which the publication came out will be used to determine the level of the article or the book.
Classification criteria
Only academic publication channels are eligible for the Publication Forum classification (levels 1, 2 and 3). The term ‘academic publication channel’ refers to book publishers, conferences as well as printed and digital publication series specialised in the publication of scientific research results. These forums have an editorial board composed of experts and they follow the peer-review practice. Academic publication channels are evaluated merely in terms of their impact on science, not their societal impact.
Evaluations
Publication Forum evaluates domestic and foreign academic publication channels.