What is Scopus Conference Indexing?

Scopus is a major database that indexes academic content, including conference papers, to enhance research visibility. Being indexed means the conference’s papers are included, making them citable and accessible globally. This is crucial for researchers seeking to boost their work’s impact.

How to Verify Indexing Status

Follow these simple steps to check if a conference is indexed by Scopus:

• Step 1: Visit the Scopus Sources Page
  Go to the Scopus sources list at https://www.scopus.com/sources to see all indexed sources, including conference series.


• Step 2: Search for the Conference
  Use the search bar to enter the conference name (e.g., “International Conference on Machine Learning”) or its proceeding title. If it appears, it’s indexed.
• Step 3: Check Publication Details
  If not found, find out where the conference publishes its papers (e.g., Springer, IEEE). Check if that publication (like Lecture Notes in Computer Science) is indexed by searching on the same page.


• Step 4: Search in Scopus Database
  Visit https://www.scopus.com, use advanced search, and look for papers from the conference by entering its name in the “Conference name” field. If results show up, it’s likely indexed.

Surprising Detail: Predatory Conferences

Be cautious—some conferences falsely claim Scopus indexing to attract submissions. Always verify through official Scopus sources, not just the conference website, to avoid scams.

Comprehensive Guide on Verifying Scopus Conference Indexing Status

This section provides a detailed exploration of the process to verify if a conference is indexed by Scopus, ensuring researchers can confidently select venues for maximum academic impact. Scopus, developed by Elsevier, is a leading abstract and citation database indexing millions of conference papers, making it essential to confirm a conference’s indexing status for visibility and citation potential.

Background on Scopus Indexing

Scopus indexes a curated selection of conference series based on quality criteria, ensuring only credible scientific contributions are included. This indexing enhances a paper’s discoverability, citation count, and academic reputation. However, not all conferences are indexed, and some may falsely claim this status, highlighting the need for verification.

Step-by-Step Verification Process

To verify the indexing status, follow these detailed steps:

1. Access the Scopus Sources Page
   
   
   Begin by navigating to the Scopus sources list at https://www.scopus.com/sources. This page lists all journals, conference series, and trade publications indexed by Scopus, categorized for easy navigation.
   
   



2. Search for the Conference or Proceeding Title
   
   
   Use the search functionality on the page to enter the exact name of the conference or its proceeding title. For example, for the “IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision” (ICCV), search for “ICCV” or its full name. If the conference series is listed, it confirms indexing. The listing will include details like subject area, publisher, and metrics such as CiteScore.
   
   



3. Verify Through Publication Details if Not Listed
   
   
   If the conference is not directly listed, determine where its papers are published. Many conferences publish proceedings through established publishers like Springer, IEEE, ACM, or Elsevier. For instance:
   
   
   • Springer’s Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) is a common outlet for conference papers and is indexed by Scopus.
   
   
   • IEEE conferences often appear in IEEE Xplore, which includes many Scopus-indexed series.
   
   
   • ACM proceedings are typically in the ACM Digital Library, also indexed by Scopus.
   
   

   To check, search for the publication title (e.g., “Lecture Notes in Computer Science”) on the Scopus sources page. If indexed, papers published there are included in Scopus, effectively making the conference indexed.

   
   



4. Cross-Check with Scopus Database Search
   
   
   For additional confirmation, visit the main Scopus search page at https://www.scopus.com. Use the advanced search feature:
   
   
   • Select the “Conference name” or “Conference series” field.
   
   
   • Enter the conference name and execute the search.
   
   
   • If papers from the conference appear in the results, it indicates they are indexed. This method is particularly useful for verifying recent or smaller conferences.
   
   



5. Beware of False Claims and Predatory Conferences
   
   
   Some conferences may display the Scopus logo or claim indexing without verification, often as part of predatory practices. Always rely on the official Scopus sources list or database search for accuracy. Check for historical papers from the conference in Scopus to ensure consistency.
   
   

Additional Verification Tips

• Contact the Conference Organizer: If unsure, reach out to the conference organizer for clarification on indexing status or check their website for official statements. However, always cross-verify with Scopus.


• Review Previous Editions: Look at papers from past editions of the conference in Scopus to see if they are indexed, providing historical context.


• Use Reputable Sources: Prioritize well-known conferences with a track record of Scopus indexing, such as those published by Springer, IEEE, or ACM, to minimize verification effort.

Table: Common Publishers and Their Scopus Indexing Status

Below is a table of common publishers of conference proceedings and their typical indexing status in Scopus, based on general knowledge:

Note: Always verify individual series or titles on https://www.scopus.com/sources as indexing can vary.

Nuances and Considerations

It’s important to distinguish between a conference being directly listed as a Scopus-indexed series and its papers being included through an indexed publication. For example, if a conference’s papers are in LNCS, which is indexed, the papers are in Scopus, but the conference series itself might not be listed separately. This nuance is critical for researchers aiming for specific recognition.

Additionally, Scopus selects conference series based on quality, not individual events, meaning one-off conferences are less likely to be indexed unless part of an established series. This selection process ensures high scientific veracity, as noted in discussions on platforms like ResearchGate and Academia Stack Exchange.

Practical Example

Consider verifying the indexing status of the “International Conference on Machine Learning” (ICML):

• Search “ICML” on https://www.scopus.com/sources. If listed, it’s indexed.


• If not, check where ICML papers are published (e.g., JMLR Workshop and Conference Proceedings, often indexed). Search for “JMLR Workshop” on the sources page to confirm.


• Alternatively, search for ICML papers on https://www.scopus.com; if results appear, it’s indexed.

This example illustrates the combined approach of using both the sources list and database search for thorough verification.

Conclusion

Verifying Scopus conference indexing status is essential for ensuring research visibility and impact. By leveraging the Scopus sources list, checking publication details, and cross-referencing with database searches, researchers can confidently identify indexed conferences. Always remain vigilant against predatory claims and prioritize official verification for academic integrity.