Clarivate’s approach to add/change subject categories for the journals already indexed in Web of Science (WoS)/Journal Citation Reports (JCR) is data-driven. Clarivate reviews the requests to add/change the Subject Categories in the first quarter of each year. They have a huge backlog. Therefore, it might take a long time for Clarivate to review and decide for the Subject Category requests.
The following points will be considered for adding/changing subject categories:
1. Aims & Scope | Clarivate already has the Aims & Scope for the journal, based on which the journal was selected for WoS. The current Aims & Scope must include the subject areas you propose to be added or changed. |
2. Cited Reference Search | The top categories appearing in WoS based on the Cited Reference Search must include the proposed subject category – either at the same level as the main category or at least the second leading category. |
3. Cited Journal Data and Citing Journal Data | The Cited Journal and Citing Journal data either from WoS or JCR must show the journal networks for the proposed subject areas. If there is no citing or cited data for the proposed subject categories, the request to add those subject categories will not help the journal. |
4. Journal Re-evaluation | Requesting to add a subject category will result in a reevaluation of the journal against WoS 24 quality requirements. If the journal doesn’t meet a single WoS requirement, Clarivate may consider placing the journal on hold or delisting it. |
I am attaching:
A case study prepared by one of the publishing teams. This might help you understand if your request will help or hurt the journal.
How to do a Cited Reference Search in Web of Science to identify top subject categories (Point #2 in the table above)
Request form - if you decide to proceed with your request.
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