A Bibliometric Study of Revista CENIC Ciencias Químicas (1996-2005)
Mapping the landscape of scientific progress in Cuban chemistry through statistical analysis of publications
What if we could map the landscape of scientific progress, tracing the collaborations, the leading minds, and the evolution of ideas that shape a field? This is not science fiction; it is the power of bibliometrics—the science of science.
By applying statistical analysis to scientific publications, bibliometrics allows us to decode the hidden patterns within vast bodies of research. A fascinating case study is the Revista CENIC Ciencias Químicas, a Cuban journal dedicated to the chemical sciences. An in-depth bibliometric study of this journal from 1996 to 2005 provides a unique window into a decade of chemical research in Cuba, revealing not just what was discovered, but how the scientific community itself was structured and how it evolved 4 .
This analysis does more than just count papers; it tells the story of a scientific community. It highlights the institutions driving innovation, the researchers at the forefront of their fields, and the transparency of the journal's editorial process.
For anyone curious about how scientific knowledge builds upon itself, this exploration into the "science behind the science" offers a compelling and informative journey.
Bibliometrics is a set of mathematical and statistical methods used to analyze books, articles, and other publications. In our digital age, it has become an essential tool for evaluating and understanding scientific research. Professionals and scientists use a range of software tools to measure data, from performance analysis to creating visual maps of how research fields are connected 7 .
The number of publications from a researcher, institution, or country.
How often a publication is cited by other researchers, often measured by metrics like the Impact Factor .
Patterns of co-authorship, revealing networks of scientists working together.
How research topics within a field change and develop over time.
These tools help us move beyond simply reading individual studies to understanding the broad, collective movement of scientific progress.
The bibliometric study of Revista CENIC Ciencias Químicas from 1996 to 2005 provides a detailed quantitative portrait of its scientific output 4 . The research was grounded in data extracted from the journal's publications over this ten-year period, analyzing aspects like annual output, types of documents published, and the most prolific authors and institutions.
The researchers conducted a systematic analysis of all papers published in the journal during the decade. Key steps included:
Gathering all articles from the journal issues from 1996 to 2005.
Categorizing each publication by document type (e.g., original research, review), author, and institutional affiliation.
Using bibliometric techniques to count, map, and identify trends in productivity and collaboration.
The study uncovered several key trends that defined the journal during this period.
The analysis identified the main institutions that contributed to the journal's content, revealing the central hubs of chemical research in Cuba at the time.
Chemical Branch, Ozone Research Center, Center of Natural Products
Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials and Reagents, Center of Biomaterials
Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Food Industry Research, "José Antonio Echeverría" Higher Polytechnic Institute
Despite the robust national activity, the study identified a significant challenge: the need to improve the journal's international presence and collaboration 4 . This is a common issue for many regional journals.
A particularly interesting finding of the study was its assessment of the journal's editorial policy. The researchers concluded that the Revista CENIC Ciencias Químicas demonstrated transparency in its editorial selection process 4 . This means that the process for accepting or rejecting papers was clear and fair, a cornerstone of credible scientific publishing.
The journal employed a double-anonymous peer review process 1 , where both the author and the reviewer are anonymous to each other. This helps ensure that papers are judged solely on their scientific merit.
The bibliometric study of Revista CENIC Ciencias Químicas does more than just recount statistics from 1996-2005; it captures the dynamic pulse of a national scientific community.
It reveals a vibrant research ecosystem led by the CNIC and the University of Havana, firmly grounded in core chemical disciplines and upheld by a transparent peer-review system. The insights gained from such analyses are invaluable. They help institutions strategize, allow funders to assess impact, and provide young scientists with a map of their chosen field.
Most importantly, they remind us that science is a deeply human endeavor, built on collaboration, rigor, and a shared pursuit of knowledge—a pursuit that bibliometrics helps make visible.
Years Analyzed
Leading Institutions
Main Research Branches
Editorial Transparency