EDP Sciences is pleased to share the progress of our journals in the recently announced 2024 Journal Citation Reports™ and CiteScores. This year’s results show consistent improvement across the portfolio, with several journals recording substantial growth. In addition to strong performances in established disciplines such as astronomy and mathematics, titles in applied science, engineering, and health also received encouraging increases.

Optics and engineering journals see strong gains

The Journal of the European Optical Society – Rapid Publications recorded one of the most significant increases, with a 68% rise in its Impact Factor to 3.2 and a 9.1% rise in its CiteScore to 3.6. The journal continues to grow as a platform for timely, high-quality research in optical science and photonics.

Manufacturing Review saw its Impact Factor increase by 53% to 2.9, with a CiteScore of 5.7 (up 3.6%), confirming its strength in industrial technologies and applied engineering.

Metallurgical Research & Technology exceeded an Impact Factor of 1.0 for the first time, rising by 22% to reach 1.1. Its CiteScore also rose by 5.9% to 1.0.

Health and medical science titles show sustained growth

Radioprotection continued its upward trajectory with an Impact Factor increase of 29%, reaching 1.8, and a CiteScore increase of 13% to 2.6. An important source in radiological protection and safety, the journal is valued by practitioners and researchers alike.

SICOT-J, dedicated to orthopaedics and trauma surgery, saw its Impact Factor rise by 28% to 2.3, while its CiteScore rose by 9.7% to 3.4.

Mathematics journals maintain steady progress

RAIRO – Operations Research posted a 17% increase in its Impact Factor to 2.1, with a corresponding 11.1% rise in its CiteScore to 4.0.

ESAIM: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis recorded a 5% increase in its Impact Factor to 2.2, and a 10% increase in its CiteScore to 3.3.

Recognition for acoustics, environment, and sustainability research

Acta Acustica saw a 40% increase in its Impact Factor to 1.4, and a 17.9% rise in its CiteScore, reinforcing its reputation in both physical and applied acoustics.

Aquatic Living Resources achieved a 27% increase in its Impact Factor, highlighting its value in ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries and aquaculture.

Science and Technology for Energy Transition recorded a 27% rise in its Impact Factor, reaching 1.9, further supporting the journal’s position in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

OCL – Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids saw its Impact Factor rise by 11% to 2.0, underlining its relevance to nutrition, food safety, and industrial sustainability.

Parasite, which celebrated its centenary in 2023, recorded a 4% increase in its Impact Factor, now standing at 2.4.

Astronomy & Astrophysics reaffirms its leadership in the field

We are especially pleased to note the continuing growth and impact of Astronomy & Astrophysics, with a 7% increase in its Impact Factor to 5.8. This confirms its position as the leading original research journal in astronomy and astrophysics.

A broader perspective on research impact

These results are made possible by the ongoing efforts of our authors, reviewers, and editorial teams. Their commitment to high-quality research continues to shape the success of our journals. We thank them for their contributions and for their continued trust in EDP Sciences as a partner in publishing.

However, it is important to recognise that metrics such as the Impact Factor offer only a partial view of a journal’s value. While citation-based indicators remain widely used, their limitations are increasingly acknowledged across the research community. They can be shaped by disciplinary norms, time lags, and editorial choices, and they tend to favour visibility over substance.

Many researchers are calling for a broader and more responsible approach to research assessment. In particular, they point to the importance of:

• Scientific influence over time, not just immediate citation counts
• Real-world application and relevance to society
• Contributions to scientific culture, collaboration, and public understanding
• The intrinsic value of rigorous, meaningful research

At EDP Sciences, we support this more nuanced view. We celebrate the gains in this year’s metrics, but we do so in context. Our commitment is to the communities we serve — and to the kind of publishing that values integrity, openness, and scientific contribution above all else.