Academic journals foster the progress of science by publishing new research findings. However, there are thousands of scientific journals in publication and their quality differs. Therefore institutions, authors, readers and librarians need a reliable guideline to choose the right journals to read, cite and stock in libraries. Authors also need to know which is the most authoritative journal to publish their paper in. Funding bodies also require a trusted measurement in order to shortlist applicants with the most impressive publications for their research grants.

In a previous article ”Academic institutions in the time of Covid-19: Homeworking and productivity” we looked at how Covid-19 has changed the way academic researchers work and collaborate. Several universities are navigating the ‘new normal’, cautiously re-opening buildings under stringent protocols, prioritising scientific laboratories and departments involved in Covid-19 research, re-introducing library collection services and planning teaching activities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.