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International Journal of Molecular Sciences Impact Factor

International Journal of Molecular Sciences Impact Factor

Written by Connor Wood
August 12, 2025

International Journal of Molecular Sciences Impact Factor

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) currently holds a ​2023 impact factor of 4.9. This figure is the most recent metric provided by Clarivate's Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and serves as a key indicator of the journal's influence and the frequency with which its articles are cited. For many researchers, this number is a crucial starting point for evaluating the journal's standing and credibility within the scientific community.

What’s the Latest on the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences Impact Factor?

The 2023 impact factor for the International Journal of Molecular Sciences is ​4.9​, as reported by Clarivate’s Journal Citation Reports (JCR). A 4.9 is not just a number; it’s a very competitive one, placing the journal in a strong position within its field

Tracking the International Journal of Molecular Sciences impact factor over several years can provide valuable insight into the journal's growth and stability. The following table illustrates its performance, showing a consistent upward trend that reflects its increasing prominence in the field of molecular sciences.

YearImpact Factor (JCR)
20204.556
20215.923
20226.208
20234.9

Note: The impact factor for a given year is published the following year. For example, the 2023 Impact Factor was released in mid-2024.

As you can see, after a significant increase, the impact factor experienced a slight dip in the most recent reporting period. This type of fluctuation is not uncommon in academic publishing and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in citation practices across different disciplines.

Is the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences Predatory​?

This is the part of the conversation where things get a bit more nuanced. The question, "Is the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences predatory​?" is something you've probably heard whispered in a lab meeting or seen hotly debated on a forum. Let's be clear: IJMS is not on any major predatory journal lists. It has a legitimate impact factor and is indexed in reputable databases. But the controversy stems from its publisher, MDPI, and their specific business model.

Some academics worry that MDPI's speed and sheer volume of publications come at a cost to the rigor of the peer-review process. The fear is that the focus on high output might lead to less thorough reviews than you would find at a more traditional publisher. When a journal publishes a paper in just a few weeks, people can't help but wonder if the peer reviewers were given enough time to really scrutinize the work.

This is where the community is really divided. On one side, you have researchers who love the efficiency and the fact that their work can be published so quickly, benefiting from the open-access model. They've had positive experiences, with constructive feedback and a professional process. On the other side, you have critics who point to the high volume of special issues and the sometimes-perfunctory reviews as signs of a model that prioritizes profit over scientific integrity. Honestly, you’ll find a mix of opinions from both senior professors and early-career researchers, and both sides have valid points. It's a real paradox, isn't it? A journal with a solid impact factor and indexing that still faces such pointed criticism. It's a fascinating, and at times frustrating, situation for anyone trying to navigate the publishing landscape.

Understanding the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Publication Fee

Another huge piece of the puzzle is the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences publication fee​, also known as the Article Processing Charge (APC). As a fully open-access journal, IJMS doesn't charge readers or institutions for access to its content. Instead, the cost of running the journal—from peer review coordination to typesetting—is covered by the authors. The fee for IJMS is significant; it’s currently around ​**2,600 Swiss Francs (CHF)**​.

For a lot of researchers, especially those without a large grant or institutional support, this can be a major barrier. It's a classic tradeoff: you gain the incredible benefit of making your research freely available to anyone in the world, but you have to pay a hefty price for it. It's a cost that needs to be factored into your project budget from day one. Some institutions have agreements with MDPI that might provide a discount, and MDPI does have a waiver policy for authors from developing countries. Still, for many, that cost is a real sticking point and a serious consideration in the publishing decision.

This fee structure is a core part of the open-access debate. Supporters say it democratizes science and makes information more widely available, which is true. Critics argue it creates a two-tiered system where researchers with funding have an easier time publishing their work. What's more important to you: making your research universally accessible or avoiding a large upfront cost? It's a personal decision that every researcher has to make for themselves.


Finding Your Place: Considering the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Quartile and Other Factors

So, where does this all leave you? You’ve got a journal with a solid ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences impact factor​, excellent indexing, and a fast publication process. But you also have to deal with the hefty publication fee and the ongoing, often heated, debate about its publisher's model. The journal's Q2 ranking means it’s a respectable place to publish. A Q2 paper is a good paper. Period. But you have to decide if the trade-offs are worth it.

For many researchers, especially those with pressing deadlines, IJMS is an excellent choice. The speed is a real advantage, and the impact factor is solid enough to be counted on a CV. But for those who are focused on building a long-term academic career in a more traditional institution, it might be wise to diversify your publication portfolio. You could publish a paper here, and then aim for a higher-ranking journal with a different publisher for your next big project. This strategy shows you can succeed in various publishing environments and are aware of the nuances of the landscape.

Finally, it’s also good to know the ​international journal of molecular sciences abbreviation​, which is Int. J. Mol. Sci. It's a small detail, but an important one for citations and making sure your paper is referenced correctly in other works.

In the end, you have to choose a journal that aligns with your professional and personal goals. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences is not a perfect journal, but it is a legitimate and widely recognized one. You just need to walk into the decision with your eyes wide open, knowing exactly what you're getting and what the community thinks about it.


FAQs about the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS)

What is the ​international journal of molecular sciences acceptance rate​?

The acceptance rate for IJMS is a topic of frequent discussion, with many speculating about its high volume. While MDPI does not publicly state a precise acceptance rate, it is widely believed to be relatively high compared to journals from more traditional publishers. A recent statistic from their website shows that the median time from submission to first decision is about 19.5 days, indicating a very efficient, but not necessarily non-selective, process.

What is the official ​international journal of molecular sciences abbreviation​?

The official abbreviation for the journal is Int. J. Mol. Sci. This is the standard abbreviation you should use when citing the journal in bibliographies and reference lists.

What is the ​international journal of molecular sciences publication fee​?

The publication fee, or Article Processing Charge (APC), for IJMS is approximately 2,600 CHF (Swiss Francs). This fee is charged to the authors upon acceptance of their manuscript to cover the costs associated with open-access publication.

What is the ​international journal of molecular sciences ranking​?

The journal is ranked in the second quartile (Q2) in several key categories within the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), including "Biochemistry & Molecular Biology" and "Chemistry, Multidisciplinary." This indicates a strong standing within its scientific fields.

How long does it take to publish in the ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences​?

The journal is known for its speed. According to data from their website, the median time from submission to the first decision is about ​19.5 days​, and the median time from acceptance to publication is around ​2.6 days​. This makes it one of the fastest options for publishing in a reputable, indexed journal.


What is the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Publication Fee and Why Does It Matter?

The ​International Journal of Molecular Sciences publication fee​, known as the Article Processing Charge (APC), is a significant consideration for authors, as it is a fully open-access journal. The current APC is approximately ​**2,600 Swiss Francs (CHF)**​. This fee is a fundamental component of the open-access model, which enables the journal to make all published articles freely available to a global audience without subscription costs.

This financial structure presents a key decision point for researchers. On the one hand, it ensures your work is accessible to anyone, which can significantly increase its visibility and potential impact. On the other hand, the substantial fee can be a barrier for researchers without grant funding or institutional support. While MDPI does offer waivers and discounts, the cost is an unavoidable factor in the submission process.


Final Considerations and FAQs

When deciding whether to submit to ​IJMS​, it is essential to weigh its strengths against the ongoing community discussions. The journal offers a legitimate, indexed platform with a competitive impact factor and a fast publication process. Its Q2 ranking provides a solid basis for career advancement. However, it is also part of a publishing house whose model is viewed with skepticism by some in academia. The decision should align with your specific professional goals, timeline, and available funding.

To help you make an informed choice, consider these key questions:

  • Does my timeline necessitate a fast publication process?
  • Do I have grant funding or institutional support to cover the APC?
  • How will a Q2 publication in this journal be viewed by my specific academic department or hiring committee?

For researchers who are consistently navigating vast amounts of scientific literature, powerful tools are essential. We recommend exploring pubmed.ai as an efficient way to search, analyze, and stay current with the latest biomedical research.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official ​international journal of molecular sciences abbreviation​?

The official and widely used abbreviation for the journal is Int. J. Mol. Sci. This is the correct form to use in citations and bibliographic references.

What is the ​international journal of molecular sciences publication fee​?

The publication fee for the journal is approximately 2,600 CHF (Swiss Francs). This is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for open-access publishing.

What is the ​international journal of molecular sciences acceptance rate​?

While the exact acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed, the journal's rapid review process and high publication volume suggest it has a relatively higher acceptance rate compared to some other top-tier journals.

What is the ​international journal of molecular sciences ranking​?

The journal is consistently ranked in the second quartile (Q2) in several key categories, including "Biochemistry & Molecular Biology," according to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).