Scopus chosen by Maclean’s magazine to enhance university rankings

We’re pleased to announce that Maclean's magazine is using Scopus data to enhance their annual ranking of Canadian universities. The rankings, which focus on Canadian institutions’ academic research and overall accomplishments, will now use research data and metrics from Scopus and SciVal.

The ranking methodology weighs factors that measure research productivity and performance, using a variety of bibliometric indicators such as publications and citations. Elsevier will provide data on the research publication output in 10 subject areas for a pre-determined list of 60 Canadian Universities. The subject areas include education, nursing, business and biology.

“Maclean’s chose Elsevier for the depth and breadth of its Scopus data base, as well as its experience working with other publications on rankings,” said Kim Honey, editor of special issues. “We’re excited to introduce our very first rankings by subject, and we have Elsevier to thank for that.”

Scopus’ position on rankings is similar to our position on the general use of research metrics: a single metric provides a simple, clear point of reference that can be used as a benchmark and it is the combination of multiple metrics – pulled from a basket of metrics – combined with qualitative data and references that can prove useful in making informed decisions. University rankings alone do not solve the complex problem of where and what a prospective student should study (or where academics should work). Rankings can, however, play a useful role in choosing where to study by offering comparative data that would otherwise not be available.

Want to learn more about how Scopus and SciVal are used in university rankings? Contact us today.