“Cellular & Molecular Immunology” is a publication in the specialized field of immunology, serving as a platform for disseminating advanced research. In scientific publishing, a journal’s influence is often gauged by its impact factor, a metric reflecting how frequently its articles are cited by other researchers. This article will delve into the nature of “Cellular & Molecular Immunology,” clarify the meaning of a journal impact factor, and explain why this metric holds importance in scientific research.
What is a Journal Impact Factor?
A Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is a numerical indicator of the average number of citations received by articles published in a journal over a defined period. This metric assesses a journal’s influence within its academic discipline. Clarivate Analytics calculates the JIF annually as part of their Journal Citation Reports (JCR) database.
The calculation typically involves counting citations in a given year to articles published in the journal during the preceding two years. This sum is divided by the total number of “citable items,” such as original research articles and review papers, published in those same two preceding years. For instance, the 2024 Impact Factor would consider citations in 2024 to articles published in 2022 and 2023. The resulting number represents the average citation rate per citable article, offering a snapshot of how often a journal’s content is referenced by the wider scientific community.
About Cellular & Molecular Immunology Journal
“Cellular & Molecular Immunology” (CMI) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal focusing on a wide array of immunology research. It publishes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and commentaries. The journal’s scope encompasses both fundamental immunological investigations and their clinical applications.
CMI specifically covers topics at the cellular and molecular levels of the immune system. This includes immunopathology, which examines diseases related to immune system dysfunction, and immune regulation, which explores how immune responses are controlled. The journal also features research on vaccines, which stimulate protective immunity, and immunotherapy, which uses immune system components to treat diseases.
The Impact Factor of Cellular & Molecular Immunology
“Cellular & Molecular Immunology” demonstrates a strong impact factor, reflecting its standing in immunology. The latest Impact Factor for 2025-2026 is 19.1. Other sources indicate values such as 19.8 or 22.096, with a 5-year impact factor of 22.6, suggesting high citation activity.
This impact factor signifies that, on average, articles published in “Cellular & Molecular Immunology” are cited frequently. A higher impact factor suggests the journal publishes influential and frequently referenced research, positioning it among other immunology journals. This indicates that CMI’s content is considered current and relevant by experts, contributing to scientific discourse.
Why Impact Factors Matter in Research
Journal impact factors hold significance within the scientific community, influencing decisions by researchers, institutions, and funding bodies. Researchers consider a journal’s impact factor when deciding where to submit manuscripts, aiming for journals with higher visibility. Publishing in high-impact journals can enhance a researcher’s professional reputation and aid career advancement.
Academic institutions and funding agencies may utilize impact factors as one criterion when evaluating research output or allocating grants. While impact factors indicate a journal’s overall influence, they have limitations. They do not perfectly measure the quality of individual articles and can vary across scientific fields. Factors like self-citation rates or article types can also influence a journal’s impact factor, highlighting that it is one metric among many for assessing scientific contribution.