What is a journal?

A journal denotes an academic or scientific periodical that presents articles on a particular subject and appears on a regular basis. Journals play a decisive role in , since they provide a platform for academics, and to publish the results of their work. Such academic or scientific journals therefore make a decisive contribution to the furtherance of academic and scientific discourse.

What type of articles does a scientific journal contain?

Academics, scientists and researchers can use a journal to publish articles. These are generally used to present their research results. But review articles are also common within journals. Such articles summarise and assess the current state of research or science and academia within a specific domain. Commentaries, discussions and short updates on current research results or academic and scientific debates and are also commonly published in scientific journals.

Such journals are primarily directed towards academics, scientists and researchers from the respective field of research. Albeit they can also serve as an important source of information for academic work undertaken by students and doctoral candidates.

What significance do journals have in academia and science?

Academic and scientific journals act as main distribution channels for new research results and academic or scientific findings. They promote the exchange of information and opinions among researchers and they underpin academic and scientific discourse and collaborations.

The peer review process can assure the quality and reliability of the published research results. This process involves manuscripts being reviewed by independent experts in the relevant discipline prior to publication in an academic or scientific journal. They provide feedback and recommendations as to whether the manuscript should be accepted, revised or declined.

Publication in a prestigious journal can play a decisive role in a researcher’s academic career development. It can also influence the reputation of academics, scientists and researchers and the award of funding. The most prestigious scientific journals in the academic and scientific sector include , and .