Continued Success in the Internationalization of University of Birjand Journals: Saffron Research Indexed in Scopus

Dr. Marzieh Saghebjoo, Vice President for Research, Technology and Innovation at the University of Birjand, announced the successful indexing of the journal Saffron Research in the internationally recognized Scopus database, describing the achievement as an important step toward enhancing the University’s scientific standing and strengthening its international academic profile.

According to the University of Birjand Public Relations and Communications Office, Dr. Saghebjoo, announcing the successful inclusion of Saffron Research in Scopus, stated: “Scopus is recognized as one of the world’s leading abstract and citation databases. Inclusion in Scopus requires journals to meet rigorous criteria concerning academic quality, publishing standards and regularity, as well as the international diversity of editorial board members and authors. The process of seeking Scopus indexing for Saffron Research began in September of last year with the formal submission of the application, followed by the necessary technical and content-related preparations and evaluation procedures. Fortunately, following the review and assessment conducted by Scopus, the journal was successfully accepted for inclusion and indexed in the database.”

The Vice President for Research, Technology and Innovation further highlighted the scientific achievements of the current administration, stating: “Through purposeful planning and continuous follow-up by the Vice Presidency, two University scientific journals have so far achieved this international distinction during the current administration. Following the inclusion of the first journal, Environmental Stresses in Agricultural Sciences, under the editorship of Dr. Jami al-Ahmadi, in November 2025 (Aban 1404), Saffron Research has now become the second University scientific journal during this period to be successfully indexed in Scopus, as a result of the support provided and sustained efforts undertaken. I sincerely congratulate Dr. Mohammad Ali Behdani, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, Dr. Ramezani, Executive Editor, the distinguished members of the editorial board, reviewers, the journal’s editorial and administrative team, and the entire University community on this valuable achievement.”

Dr. Saghebjoo, outlining the strategic priorities of the University’s research sector, emphasized: “The internationalization of scientific journals, increasing the visibility of research outputs, and securing inclusion in leading international indexing databases are among the principal priorities of this Vice Presidency in pursuit of the objectives set forth in the University’s Strategic Plan through 2029. The achievement of two Scopus indexing milestones during the current administration demonstrates the effectiveness of this strategic direction. The Vice Presidency will continue its structural, financial, and advisory support for other promising University journals seeking inclusion in leading international databases such as Scopus and Web of Science.”

It is worth noting that, with this achievement, the total number of University of Birjand journals indexed in Scopus has increased to three.

Dr. Saghebjoo concluded by expressing hope that this significant achievement would contribute to further accelerating the advancement of the University of Birjand’s scientific standing at both the national and international levels.