Exploring the growing impact of Chinese research via open access

For Prof Jianliu Wang, Editor-in-Chief of KeAi’s 100^th journal – Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine – Chinese research has yet to receive the global visibility it deserves. He points out that in 2019, 19.1 percent of contributing authors to SCI journals were Chinese, yet only 1.2 percent of papers were published in China-based journals, such as those run by KeAi:

I think scientific research innovation is the answer, the core force. By promoting high-level scientific research achievements, let the world see China; by establishing international journals and holding international conferences, let the world recognize China.

Prof Luoping Zhang(opens in new tab/window), Editor-in-Chief of KeAi’s Advances in Biomarker Sciences and Technology(opens in new tab/window), believes China has already embarked on a path that will strengthen the country’s international profile:

In recent years, China has invested in making research more transparent, fair and science-based. It is important to not only focus on quantity but to also highlight its quality by facilitating and seeking honest international cooperation.

Prof Sun Chang-Pu(opens in new tab/window), who has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers, including in KeAi’s Fundamental Research(opens in new tab/window), said reputable and recognized journals offer one of the best routes for highlighting the strong research coming out of China:

They are an indispensable platform for peers to openly exchange ideas on research progress.

In the case of young and junior researchers, he said, academic journals can facilitate their professional careers in four ways:

1. Tracking cutting-edge literature in their field of interest

2. Identifying their research direction

3. Forming their own judgement of good and bad science

4. Learning from science masters such as Nobel Laureates Paul Dirac(opens in new tab/window) and Chen Ning Yang(opens in new tab/window) et al

It’s a view shared by Prof Abba Gumel(opens in new tab/window), who has published in KeAi’s Infectious Disease Modelling(opens in new tab/window). In addition, Prof Gumel, whose research includes looking at the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, believes China has much to contribute to the current global challenges that society faces:

Top journals such as Infectious Disease Modelling play a vital role in the dissemination and promotion of quality science. This not only advances our research disciplines but also helps to provide the knowledge base that is crucial to solving some of the world's most challenging problems, such as the control of the ongoing ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

For Gert-Jan Geraeds(opens in new tab/window), General Manager of KeAi, collaboration will prove the key to future success.

The foundation of KeAi’s success is international collaboration and the same is true for science in China. Over the years, the number of Chinese articles with international co-authors has steadily increased – and with that, the quality of articles published.

KeAi, Chinese academic institutions and individual researchers alike share a huge ambition to take science in China to the next level of excellence. I am impressed with the energy, discipline and persistence that the research community in China render to realize that ambition.

For Bin Peng(opens in new tab/window), General Manager of China Science Publishing & Media Ltd (CSPM), and Lynn Li(opens in new tab/window), Managing Director of Greater China for Elsevier, supporting the growth of KeAi to showcase research in China is a priority. Peng views the launch of the 100^th journal as an important milestone for the company:

It shows that KeAi and KeAi journals are playing a much more important role in the research community of China and the world. Chinese researchers have previously outperformed Chinese journals in academia. Looking at the pace of KeAi’s development over the last few years, together with the continuing support of China’s research policies for science and technology journals, we are proud to see many excellent journals launched and their international visibility improved.

Li confirms that China remains a very important market for Elsevier:

KeAi is one of Elsevier’s strategic long-term investments in China. Over the past 20 years, we have met many research and policy leaders who have asked for our support to grow high-quality Chinese STM journals. KeAi is best positioned to support this. Under this joint venture model, KeAi has been able to leverage the best platform, experience, talent and cutting-edge technology of Elsevier.\

For Li, this commitment is reflected in Elsevier’s growing investment in China:

Even in the difficult time of COVID-19, we have added over new 150 jobs, built up a research and development hub in Shanghai and set up a new office in Shenzhen.