Latest List of INSPEC Journals

Last Updated October 2024

INSPEC is a specialized bibliographic database managed by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Renowned for its focus on physics, electrical engineering, electronics, computer science, and related disciplines, INSPEC provides researchers, students, and professionals with high-quality literature on scientific and technological advancements. Whether you are exploring developments in quantum mechanics, AI algorithms, or microchip designs, INSPEC offers a targeted platform for staying updated and disseminating your research.

The Historical Significance of INSPEC

INSPEC's legacy in the world of academic research stretches back over a century, making it one of the oldest bibliographic databases in existence. Founded in 1898 as "Science Abstracts" by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) in collaboration with the Physical Society of London, it initially focused on physics and electrical engineering. Over the years, the database evolved in response to technological advancements, notably transitioning from a traditional paper format to an electronic database in 1967. This transformation was pivotal, as it broadened INSPEC’s scope beyond just physics and electrical engineering, embracing additional fields such as computer science, control technology, and manufacturing engineering.

The transition to its modern form, rebranded as INSPEC, marked a significant step in the development of this invaluable resource, now managed by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Today, INSPEC plays a vital role in scientific research by offering a comprehensive catalog of scholarly literature across a diverse range of engineering and technological disciplines.

Areas Covered by INSPEC

INSPEC’s coverage extends across four major scientific disciplines: physics, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science and control technology, and mechanical and manufacturing engineering. However, the database’s reach is not confined to these areas alone. It includes a broad spectrum of subjects such as astronomy, communications, optical technologies, materials science, oceanography, nuclear engineering, transportation, geography, biomedical engineering, biophysics, and aerospace engineering. Furthermore, as the application of information technology expanded into business, INSPEC incorporated business information technology into its repertoire, further strengthening its relevance in the modern research landscape.

INSPEC’s comprehensive coverage ensures that it remains a leading resource for anyone engaged in scientific and technological research, providing access to a wealth of knowledge that spans both well-established and emerging fields.

The Benefits of INSPEC for Journals

For journals seeking greater visibility and credibility, inclusion in INSPEC can be immensely valuable. In particular, INSPEC offers significant advantages for journals in the fields of engineering and technology. By being indexed in INSPEC, journals gain exposure to a global audience of researchers, scholars, and professionals, significantly enhancing their international recognition.

For Chinese journals, inclusion in INSPEC is especially noteworthy. As of January 2022, a total of 137 Chinese journals were indexed, including 14 in English, 122 in Chinese, and one bilingual journal. While Chinese journals are eligible for inclusion, INSPEC requires that non-English journals provide English titles and abstracts for articles to facilitate the review process. This is a crucial step for journals aiming to be accepted into the database.

INSPEC's collaboration with other prominent databases such as Web of Science (WoS), Ei Compendex, and EBSCOhost ensures that the content indexed in INSPEC is widely accessible. Researchers utilizing these platforms can easily discover articles from Chinese journals, broadening their reach and increasing their international impact.

Why INSPEC Matters for Scholarly Journals

Being indexed in INSPEC not only increases the visibility of research articles but also improves the perceived value and prestige of the journals themselves. As INSPEC continues to grow and develop, its importance as a reliable source of high-quality scientific literature remains undiminished. Journals that are indexed by INSPEC are more likely to be recognized by global academic communities, gaining further opportunities for collaboration, citation, and advancement in their respective fields.