Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM) Achieves Major Impact Factor Milestone
The 2024 Journal Impact Factors (JIFs) are in, and it’s a big year for Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM). The journal’s JIF has increased to 8.4, marking a significant milestone and propelling IEAM into the top-tier first quartile for peer-reviewed academic journals in its field. IEAM, at its 21st anniversary, now ranks 4th out of 106 journals in toxicology and 31st out of 374 in environmental sciences, underscoring its growing influence and leadership.
In 2005, IEAM published its first issue, seeking to complement SETAC’s flagship journal, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (ETC), which first published in 1982, focusing on fundamental research. IEAM, on the other hand, was devoted to bridging the gap between scientific research and the use of science in decision-making, regulation and environmental management, providing a platform for papers that addressed how we can (and should) use high-quality science (and technology) to address the wicked environmental problems faced by society. Initially published quarterly, it has been published bimonthly since 2017.
We are excited to share IEAM’s new JIF, recognizing that this metric, and the quartile rankings they influence, remain important to many authors, especially those whose institutions restrict where they can publish based on these benchmarks. However, in 2021, SETAC endorsed the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which highlights the many limitations of using JIF as a measure of journal quality. DORA calls for a broader and more responsible approach to research evaluation—one that moves beyond impact factors—and supports the unrestricted reuse of scholarly publications to foster greater accessibility and impact.
The success of IEAM is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire IEAM community—the editor in chief, staff, editors, reviewers, authors and readers. Despite growing pressure across the publishing landscape to favor quantity over quality, the IEAM team has held the line, demonstrating that a steadfast commitment to scientific rigor and excellence is worth the effort.
A higher JIF and quartile may help IEAM attract more and even better papers. We hope that all SETAC members will consider the SETAC journals when publishing their work. To continue to provide rigorous editorial support, we invite SETAC members to consider applying to serve on the IEAM Editorial Board, nominating exceptional subject experts for such roles, and serving as reviewers for submissions. It takes a village, or a scientific society, to provide a strong voice for global environmental science and management
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our contributors. We recognize the increasing demands on time and resources and are deeply appreciate contributors’ dedication and continued support of the journal. Congratulations to everyone who has played a role in this outstanding achievement!
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