The h-index is one of the key indicators of scientific productivity. It is this metric that grant committees and university commissions usually rely on when evaluating researchers. It often happens that an author’s h-index does not reflect their real contribution to science. Most often, the reason is not the quality of the research, but systemic mistakes made by researchers. What are these mistakes? Can they be avoided? Today we will consider this issue in more detail.
Why does a researcher’s h-index not increase?
Mistake 1. Absence or incompleteness of profiles in scientometric databases
If a researcher does not have a verified profile in Google Scholar, Scopus, or Web of Science, some of their publications simply do not enter the overall count. Database algorithms do not always correctly identify the author, especially if they have a common surname, a name change, or its transliteration.
As a result, duplication of profiles, “lost” articles, and incorrect attribution of citations to another author are quite common. That is why it is important to remember that profiles should not only be created, but also regularly verified and updated.
Mistake 2. Unstable or inconsistent publication activity
The h-index is a cumulative indicator, as it grows gradually and requires regular replenishment of the publication portfolio. Long pauses in publication activity not only slow down the growth of the index, but effectively freeze it at a certain level.
Researchers who publish irregularly, for example two or three articles once every few years, often fall behind colleagues with a smaller number of significant works but a higher publication rate.
Mistake 3. Choosing the wrong journals for publication
Publishing in journals with a low citation index or in publications whose target audience does not match your profile significantly limits the visibility of the work. Even high-quality research risks remaining unnoticed if it is published in a journal that is rarely read by researchers in your field.
What should be taken into account when choosing a journal:
- indexing of the journal in Scopus or Web of Science and the quartile of the journal in the relevant discipline (the higher the quartile, the broader the audience and the higher the likelihood of citation)
- scientometric indicators (these can be found in the journal’s profile in Scopus or Web of Science)
- thematic relevance of the journal to your research
- the type of access of the journal (traditional or Open Access)
Mistake 4. Ignoring Open Access journals
As noted in the previous point, many researchers underestimate the impact of the type of journal access on the visibility of an article. In fact, this is a significant mistake, as articles in Open Access receive considerably more views, downloads, and citations than works in traditional access journals (that is, those that require a subscription for readers).
Open Access ensures a wider international audience, faster dissemination of research results, and significantly increases the likelihood of citation, which directly affects the growth of the h-index. Therefore, when choosing a journal, it is always worth giving preference to Open Access options.
Mistake 5. Lack of a strategy for working with metadata and keywords
Search algorithms of scientometric databases largely depend on metadata – titles, abstracts, and keywords. Poorly selected or overly general keywords reduce the visibility of an article in search systems, and potential citing authors simply do not find the work. For more details on why it is important to optimise metadata, read our article on this topic.
In addition, appropriate self-citation, referencing one’s own previous works where relevant, helps to form a coherent research profile and facilitates navigation through the author’s body of work for readers.
As can be seen, increasing the h-index is not a matter of chance, but of systematic work. Taking into account all the above-mentioned mistakes, you will be able to optimise your activities as much as possible and contribute to improving your indicator.
If you encounter difficulties in organising this process and increasing your h-index, the company Scientific Publications is ready to help! Our specialists will conduct an audit of your profiles and develop an individual strategy for improving your indicator. Would you like to receive a free consultation? Then fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you as soon as possible. Together towards new scientific achievements!
