How can researchers identify and select the 'right' journal for their research? (3)

6 July, 2022

Neil, identifying the "right" journal for a publication also implies finding the appropriate audience for your work! Although Elsevier has a "find journals" https://journalfinder.elsevier.com/ link, many of their journals are too costly for LMICs library or institution subscriptions. I usually check WHO Research for Life journals to be sure that free access is possible. [*see note below]

A USAID-sponsored journal (Global Health: Science & Practice) also has a tool for identifying possible public health journals: https://www.ghspjournal.org/. GHSP has a "field reports" section in their free digital journal that might suit some of the "on the ground" insights from developing country practitioners that lack scientific rigor. Subscriptions are free.

Many of the Open Access journals will waive publication costs if the main authorship comes from a LMIC researcher without large grant money, so it is wise to check the BMJ, Lancet, PLOS and other suggested journals for their policies.

Jean

HIFA profile: Jean C Sack is a Public Health Informationist at Jhpiego - an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Jean.sack AT jhpiego.org

[*Note from NPW, moderator: Thanks Jean. Elsevier is a founding partner of Research4Life, which provides free or low-cost access to Elsevier and other publishers' e-journals and e-books for eligible institutions. More information here: https://www.elsevier.com/en-gb/about/corporate-responsibility/research4life ]