Автоматизированная система информационного обеспечения библиометрической оценки научной продуктивности и деятельности исследовательских организаций и ученых (БОНУС)

# 1.3. The impact factor

The impact factor (IF), introduced by Eugene Garfield in 1955, is one of the most frequently used bibliometric indicators to evaluate the scientific output of researchers and research institutions. The IF is calculated as the number of citations received in the two preceding years by articles published in the two preceding years in a specific journal, divided by the total number of articles published in the same period.

The IF is considered a measure of the relative importance of a journal within its field. Journals with high IFs are perceived as more prestigious, and publishing in such journals is seen as a mark of quality and impact. However, the IF has been criticized for various reasons, including its potential to distort research priorities, its lack of sensitivity to changes in citation practices, and its inability to accurately capture the true impact of individual articles or research fields.

Despite its limitations, the IF remains a widely used metric, and its use is often required by funding agencies, universities, and other organizations. As a result, researchers and research institutions may feel pressure to publish in high-IF journals, even if it means sacrificing the quality or relevance of their research. This can lead to a distortion of research priorities and a focus on quantitative metrics at the expense of qualitative considerations.

Therefore, it is important to use the IF with caution and to consider it in conjunction with other bibliometric indicators and qualitative assessments of research quality. Additionally, it is important to recognize that the IF is just one tool among many for evaluating research output and impact, and that it should not be the sole determinant of research priorities or career advancement.