Getting published in a prestigious journal is an important step in any researcher’s career. However, not all journals are equally recognised – those in the top rankings or quartiles are more influential. What are Q1 and Q2 journals, how do I find a trustworthy journal for my publication, and what should I look out for?

What are magazine ratings?

Journal rankings reflect their scientific impact in a particular field. The quartile system is more widely known:

Q1 – journals in the top 25% quartile of their field.

Q2 – second quartile (26-50%).

Q3 and Q4 – magazines with lower ratings.

The position of journals is determined by indicators such as Impact Factor (Web of Science), CiteScore (Scopus), etc.

Where and how to publish? Useful resources

RTU journals and submission procedures
Riga Technical University offers information about RTU scientific journals and the requirements to submit a publication. Here you will find guidelines for manuscript preparation and submission.

RSU and publishing in international journals
Riga Stradiņš University provides practical advice on publishing in international MDPI journals – from choosing a topic to structuring your manuscript.

Journal due diligence: Think. Check. Submit.
Think. Check. Submit. is an international initiative that helps to assess the credibility of journals to avoid publishing in so-called “predatory” journals. The website has a handy checklist to help you check the quality and indexing of a journal.

How do I find a Q1 or Q2 journal?

1. Identify the topic of your publication and the scientific field.
2. Use international databases:

A) SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) – allows you to select journals by subject and quartile.

В) Journal Citation Reports (JCR) – provides journal rankings by Impact Factor.

C) Scopus Sources – filterable by CiteScore and quartile.

3. Read the author’s instructions in the journal of your choice.
4 Check the credibility of the journal using Think. Check. Submit. recommendations.

Summary

– Publication in a Q1 or Q2 journal is a sign of high quality and recognition.

– Always check whether the journal is indexed in Scopus or Web of Science.

– Study the requirements carefully and avoid the risks of “predatory” journals.

– Use reliable rankings and university recommendations.

If you need advice or help choosing the right magazine, feel free to contact us!