scale with lightbulbs to indicate ideas with the Scopus logo and SNIP

Harnessing the Power of Scopus and SNIP for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

by on December 2, 2024 9:00 am
Categories: Highlighted Resource, Uncategorized

As medical researchers race to find answers to real-world problems, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration has never been greater. Complex global challenges—ranging from public health crises to climate change—require insights from multiple disciplines. At Lane Medical Library, we understand the importance of leveraging the right tools to identify impactful research and foster collaborative opportunities. One such tool is Scopus, coupled with the Source-Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP) metric.

What is SNIP?

SNIP, developed by the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University, is a unique metric available through Scopus. It measures a journal’s contextual citation impact by accounting for the characteristics of its subject field, including varying citation practices. Unlike traditional metrics that may favor certain disciplines, SNIP aims at leveling the playing field by normalizing citation impact across diverse fields of study.

Why SNIP Matters for Interdisciplinary Research

In interdisciplinary research, it can be challenging to assess the impact of journals that publish across varied fields. SNIP offers a solution by:

  • Providing Contextual Insights: It adjusts for differences in citation behaviors across disciplines, ensuring a fair comparison between journals.
  • Highlighting Emerging Fields: SNIP can help you identify impactful journals in less-cited or emerging areas that are pivotal to interdisciplinary work.
  • Supporting Strategic Decisions: By using SNIP, you can prioritize journals that align with their interdisciplinary goals, ensuring your work reaches the right audience.

Scopus: A Gateway to Collaborative Opportunities

Scopus, a comprehensive abstract and citation database, complements SNIP by offering robust tools for identifying key research and potential collaborators. Its advanced search features allow you to:

  • Explore publications and journals with high SNIP scores.
  • Analyze trends across disciplines to identify emerging areas of research.
  • Discover influential researchers and institutions that align with interdisciplinary objectives.
Scopus

A Practical Example

Imagine a medical researcher exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and public health. Using Scopus, they can identify journals with high SNIP scores in both fields, ensuring their work is published in venues that maximize visibility and impact. They can also analyze citation patterns and collaborate with experts in AI, epidemiology, and beyond.

This screenshot shows a search in for Artificial Intelligence and Public Health in the Sources search within Scopus. You can view SNIP scores for journals from this search interface.

Steps for Using SNIP Effectively in Research

1. Access Scopus through Lane Library
Start at the Lane Library website to access Scopus. Click the Scopus link in the Top Resources menu or search for Scopus in Lane Search. Use the Scopus interface to access journal metrics, including SNIP.

2. Navigate to Sources
Click on the “Sources” tab in Scopus to explore the available journals. You can filter journals by subject area, title, or publisher to narrow your focus.

3. Locate SNIP Data
Within the journal metrics section, find the SNIP score. This metric is displayed alongside other key indicators such as CiteScore and SJR (SCImago Journal Rank).

4. Understand the Context of SNIP
Review the SNIP score in the context of the journal’s field. SNIP normalizes citation impact across disciplines by accounting for varying citation practices, making it particularly valuable for interdisciplinary research.

5. Compare Journals Across Fields
Use SNIP to compare journals across different subject areas. Higher SNIP scores indicate journals with a significant citation impact, even in fields with low overall citation activity.

6. Analyze Emerging Journals
Identify journals with high SNIP scores in emerging or less-cited areas of research. These journals may be valuable for publishing interdisciplinary work and gaining visibility in niche fields.

7. Make Strategic Decisions
Leverage SNIP data to select journals that align with your research goals. Prioritize journals with high SNIP scores to maximize the visibility and impact of your work.

8. Integrate Insights into Collaboration
Use the Scopus tools to explore citation patterns and discover collaborators in journals with high SNIP scores. This can guide interdisciplinary partnerships and strategic publishing decisions.

9. Stay Updated
Periodically revisit SNIP scores to stay informed about changes in journal impact and emerging trends in your field or related disciplines.

By following these steps, you can use SNIP as a powerful tool to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and strategically disseminate your work.

Moving Forward

Lane Medical Library is here to support your journey into interdisciplinary research. The new Research Communications librarian, Daniel Eller (deller@stanford.edu), offers training and consultations to help you navigate Scopus, interpret SNIP metrics, and make informed decisions about your research dissemination strategy.

As the boundaries between disciplines continue to blur, tools like Scopus and SNIP empower researchers to break silos and drive interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or just starting your academic journey, let these tools be your compass in the vast sea of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Explore SCOPUS and SNIP today to uncover the best places for you to publish your research!

Leave a comment