Latest impact factors show that researchers continue to hold ESHRE journals in the highest regard

All four ESHRE journals have posted commendable scores in their latest impact factors as calculated for 2023. Yet again, Human Reproduction Update continues to lead the two categories of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology with an outstanding IF of 14.8, up from last year’s score of 13.3.

Now in its seventh year of publication, Human Reproduction Open (HRO) has held on to its position of 3rd in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology rankings and is 2nd among Reproductive Biology journals. What is more, HRO has maintained last year’s IF score of 8.3 in what is only the journal’s third year of citation analysis.

The two other ESHRE titles, Molecular Human Reproduction and flagship journal Human Reproduction (HR) also had praiseworthy scores, despite both falling slightly to 3.6 (down from 4.0) and to 6.0 (down from 6.1) respectively. Overall, HR advanced two places up the ranking in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology subject category from 9th to 6th.

These results show that all four ESHRE titles continue to publish content of the highest quality and visibility; and are held in the utmost regard by researchers looking to publish their work.

Each journal’s IF and ranking by subject category are as follows:

The two most cited papers from Update in the analysis years (2022-2023) were the review of temporal trends in sperm count by Levine et al (100 citations) and from Palomba et al on endometrial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (69 citations). (1; 2)

The most cited paper in HR Open – which publishes all ESHRE papers from working groups, guideline development groups and registry consortia – was ESHRE’s guideline on endometriosis (206 citations).(3)

Commenting on the latest impact factors, ESHRE Chair Professor Dr Karen Sermon said they are a testament to ‘the exceptional quality of the ESHRE journals’ with three of the four in the first four positions in the ranking of Reproductive Biology and three of the four in the top ten in Obstetrics and Gynecology. “The amazing work of the editorial teams – Editors-in-Chief, Deputy Editors, Associate Editors, Editorial Boards – make all this achievable. The dedication and commitment of those who review our journals must also be mentioned. They have an immense task given the volume of papers submitted. And these impressive rankings and results would not be possible without the unstinting support shown by our colleagues at Oxford University Press.”

Professor Sermon added that there is still progress to be made and that ESHRE remains committed to ensuring the quality of its journals continues to improve. “I’m confident that this goal will be achieved by the newly appointed editor-in-chiefs for HRU (Madelon van Wely) and HR (co-chief editors Christopher Barratt and Kirstine Kirkegaard).”

1. Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, Mendiola J, Weksler-Derri D, Jolles M, Pinotti R, Swan SH. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of samples collected globally in the 20th and 21st centuries. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29 (2); 157-176; https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac035

2. Palomba S, Piltonen TT, Giudice LC. Endometrial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27 (3); 584–618; https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmaa051

3. Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, Horne A, Jansen F, Kiesel L, King K, Kvaskoff M, Nap A, Petersen K, Saridogan E, Tomassetti C, van Hanegem N, Vulliemoz N, Vermeulen N. ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Group. ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2; https://doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoac009