Comparison of Approaches to Stratification of Russian Journals: Scientometric Indicators, International Databases, and National Lists

Abstract

We discuss the approaches to the evaluation of scientists’ performance that prevailed in Russia over the course of the last decade. The article presents criticism of these approaches and describes the change of to the evaluation system with the development of a White List of scientific journals announced by the government. Questions have been raised regarding about the criteria for selecting journals for a White List and the need for a fair assessment of the level of scientific publications. Drawing on an analysis of Russian journals in medicine and public health, problematic aspects of different approaches to the stratification of journals are identified.