New criteria for level 1

We have expanded the criteria for level 1 because we have had a need for more criteria to use in the assessment of scientific publication channels. To be able to reject so-called predatory journals and grey zone journals, the minimum criteria for level 1 have not always been sufficient. Many of the new points are also points that are already part of our assessment, but which have not previously been described in the criteria for level 1.

With an expansion of the criteria for level 1, we want to make the quality of the Norwegian Register even better, while at the same time making it easy to see what we are considering.

How have we proceeded

The Norwegian Register has collaborated with erih+, the European Register for journals within the social sciences and humanities, which is also under The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. We have looked at other similar registers’ criteria and discussed the criteria with the National Board of Scholarly Publishing (NPU).

No changes in the submission form

For the submitter, there is still documentation of the minimum criteria (scientific editorial board, external peer review and national or international authorship) that must be documented. So, the submission form for level 1 is the same as before.

MDPI and Frontiers journals keeps their current level

The expanded criteria for level 1 were recognised by the National Board of Scholarly Publishing (NPU) at their meeting on 28 February. (The Directorate participates as observer at NPU’s meetings). At the NPU meeting, the Finnish register’s downgrading of a number of MDPI and Frontiers journals was also discussed, It was also discussed whether something similar should be done with the approved MDPI and Frontiers journals in the Norwegian Register.

It was concluded that journals should continue to be assessed regardless of the publisher. NPU will not carry out at reassessment of all MDPI and Frontiers journals, as in Finland. If we receive messages of concern on an MDPI or Frontiers journal, we will review the journal again, as we normally do when we receive a concern about an approved journal.

Publishing model

The Finnish register has defined so-called grey zone journals as journals with author payment as a funding model, and that at the same time will increase the number of publications in the journal, combined with minimal time spent on editorial management of contributions.

Such a publishing model may be a cause for concern regarding the academic quality of the published material. The publication model may therefore be part of the assessment of publication channels.