Different types of publications may be indexed in the Scopus database, including scientific articles and conference proceedings. They are usually needed to record, disseminate and confirm research results. However, their value for an academic career may differ. In our article, we will explain the main differences between these formats and determine which of them is more appropriate to choose for publication in Scopus.
Features of scientific articles
Scientific articles in journals indexed in Scopus are important not only for improving the author’s reputation. According to information from the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Republic of Armenia (HESC), the presence of such publications is one of the mandatory requirements for the conferment of academic degrees. In particular, it is stated that a Doctor of Sciences must have at least five articles in Scopus publications, while a PhD must have at least one single-authored work.
In addition, scientific articles indexed in a scientometric database are taken into account during:
- confirmation of the author’s scientific qualification
- formation of the researcher’s academic profile
- increase in citation rate and h-index
- fulfilment of the requirements of a contract, grant programme or academic reporting
- participation in competitions
- increase in the international visibility of the research
What are conference proceedings needed for?
During preparation for scientific conferences or based on their results, scientists often submit materials that contain the main points, methodology, results and conclusions of the presented research. Such texts may be published in a special collection, journal or electronic conference publication.
Conference proceedings are especially important for the following processes of scientific activity:
- public presentation of research results
- approbation of a scientific idea before preparing a full article
- confirmation of participation in a scientific event
- recording intermediate or preliminary research results
- establishing international contacts
- expanding the author’s list of scientific publications
At the same time, it should be remembered that not all conference proceedings are indexed in Scopus. Most often, full-text conference materials published in collections or special conference publications are included in the database, whereas short theses or abstracts of presentations are usually not indexed.
Main differences between conference proceedings and scientific articles
| Criterion | Conference proceedings | Scientific articles |
| Main purpose | The main purpose of conference proceedings is to approbate research results. This format is often used at the stage of developing and preparing the work. In this way, a scientist can present their idea to the professional community and receive feedback. | The main purpose of a scientific article is to officially record the research result in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Such works increase the international visibility of the scientist and are also one of the requirements during the conferment of academic titles, consideration of grant applications, participation in competitions and attestations. |
| Level of academic weight | Conference proceedings have lower academic weight than scientific articles. They are usually regarded as an additional tool for developing an academic career. However, in some fields, particularly technical, engineering, computer and certain natural science areas, they may be taken into account when assessing a scientist’s activity. | Scientific articles are important for a scientist’s academic activity, especially if they are published in journals indexed in Scopus. They also often confirm the author’s competence and contribution to a particular field. |
| When it is better to choose? | Conference proceedings are often appropriate for young researchers, postgraduate students or participants in grant projects. This format is suitable for quickly presenting a new idea, approbating intermediate results, participating in an international scientific event or receiving initial feedback. | Scientific articles should be chosen if the scientist’s main goal is not merely participation in a scientific event, but gradual academic advancement. Publications in Scopus will be especially useful for defending a dissertation, obtaining an academic degree, attestation, participation in an academic competition or submitting a grant application. |
Therefore, when choosing the type of publication in Scopus, a scientist should focus on their own goals and expectations. If the main goal is to present an idea or research results, it is advisable to consider conference proceedings. However, if the researcher is interested in developing an academic career and building a long-term reputation, they should focus on preparing scientific articles.
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