On October 10, 2025, the halls of the University of Technology in Baghdad buzzed with an energy that felt both celebratory and purposeful. For the first time, Iraqi universities came together to host an exhibition dedicated entirely to their scientific journals—a milestone event organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The occasion marked a pivotal moment in Iraq’s ongoing journey to elevate its scientific publishing sector to meet global standards, and it drew a crowd of university presidents, editors, and international experts from publishing giants such as Elsevier, Clarivate, and ASF.
Dr. Naeem Aboudi, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, took center stage at the conference’s opening, emphasizing the exhibition’s profound significance. According to the Ministry’s official communication, Dr. Aboudi stated that the event was not just a showcase, but a testament to the “doubling of the presence of Iraqi university journals in international repositories and the enhancement of their position in global impact and citation indices.” His remarks underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that Iraqi scientific output is not only recognized at home but also respected and referenced abroad.
The exhibition itself was a vibrant display of progress and ambition. Attendees walked through presentations chronicling more than thirty years of relentless effort to develop Iraq’s scientific publishing sector—a journey that, according to Ministry sources, began in earnest in 1990 and has gained significant momentum in recent years. The event highlighted the current status of Iraqi journals in the global research community, with detailed statistics showing the number of journals indexed in international databases like Scopus and Clarivate, as well as in the Iraqi academic journal database (RMS).
But numbers only tell part of the story. The exhibition also featured cutting-edge electronic publishing technologies, sophisticated citation indexes, and demonstrations of how Iraqi journals are integrating with global scientific research networks. For many in attendance, it was a glimpse into a future where Iraqi research is seamlessly woven into the fabric of international scholarship.
Dr. Aboudi’s keynote speech outlined how the Ministry’s strategy over the past three years has been rooted in quality assurance and specialized research. “The ministry, through three years of continuous work, has established a distinguished stage based on quality standards and specialized research,” he said, as quoted by the Ministry’s media office. He went on to explain that their development methodology relies on “robust governance that ensures clarity of editorial policies, peer review mechanisms, and sustained technical and professional support to enhance the smoothness of publishing according to documentation standards, research data management, and continuous training for editorial boards and researchers to keep up with developments in international publishing and indexing.”
This commitment to quality and transparency hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Ministry has actively engaged with international partners, forging strategic relationships with organizations like Scopus and Clarivate to ensure that Iraqi journals are not only indexed but also competitive in terms of citation metrics, impact factors, and h-index scores. According to the Ministry, these partnerships have played a crucial role in boosting the profile of Iraqi research on the world stage.
The exhibition was also a platform for reflection and learning. Dr. Haider Abdul Zahid, Deputy Minister for Scientific Research Affairs, delivered a speech tracing the evolution of Iraqi journals and the importance of adapting to new technologies and standards. Scientific sessions throughout the day tackled topics such as academic content indexing, best practices in editorial management, and the use of the Research Management System (RMS)—a digital platform that has become central to how Iraqi journals track and report their progress.
One of the more striking features of the exhibition was the Ministry’s transparency in sharing detailed data about journal indexing. Attendees were presented with statistics on total citations, impact factors, and h-indexes for journals currently indexed both locally and internationally. This data-driven approach, officials said, is intended to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement among Iraqi academic publishers.
For many, the exhibition was as much about inspiration as it was about information. The Ministry made it clear that the event was designed to “promote Iraqi scientific journals and integrate them into global scientific research networks.” In other words, this was not a one-off celebration, but a launching pad for a new era in Iraqi scientific publishing—one characterized by openness, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Decades of conflict and instability have often made it difficult for Iraqi researchers to access the resources and networks enjoyed by their peers in more stable countries. Yet, as Dr. Aboudi and his colleagues emphasized, the scientific community in Iraq has shown remarkable resilience and determination. The establishment of specialized committees to develop and improve the quality of scientific journals is just one example of how the Ministry is working to overcome these obstacles and ensure that Iraqi research meets—and even exceeds—international standards.
The exhibition’s focus on advanced electronic publishing techniques was particularly timely. As the global academic landscape becomes increasingly digital, the ability to publish, index, and disseminate research electronically is more important than ever. Demonstrations at the event showcased new platforms and tools designed to streamline the publishing process, improve peer review, and make it easier for researchers to track citations and impact.
For the broader academic community, the exhibition sent a clear message: Iraq is serious about science. By spotlighting the achievements of its scientific journals and committing to ongoing development, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is positioning Iraq as a rising player in the global research ecosystem. As Dr. Aboudi put it, “The Ministry has, through its strategic partnerships and tireless efforts, laid the foundation for a new phase in scientific publishing—one that is defined by quality, transparency, and international collaboration.”
The event wrapped up with a series of workshops and networking sessions, giving editors, researchers, and policymakers a chance to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. By the end of the day, there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air—a feeling that, after decades of hard work, Iraqi science is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
As the exhibition closed its doors, the prevailing sentiment among attendees was one of pride and anticipation. The journey to global recognition is far from over, but with each new milestone, Iraq’s scientific community is proving that it’s ready to take its place on the world stage.
