European and US publications in the 50 highest ranking pathology journals from 2000 to 2006

Abstract

Aims: We analyzed the contributions of the 15 primary member states of the European Union and selected non-European countries to pathologic research between 2000 and 2006.

Methods: Pathologic journals were screened using ISI Web of Knowledge database. The number of publications and related impact factors were determined for each country. Relevant socioeconomic indicators were related to the scientific output. Subsequently, we compared our results to publications in 10 of the leading biomedical journals.

Results: The research output remained generally stable. In Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain ranked top concerning contributions to publications and impact factors in the pathologic and leading general biomedical journals. Related to socioeconomic data smaller, mainly northern European countries demonstrated a relatively higher efficiency. Of the lager countries, the United Kingdom is the most efficient in that respect. The rising economic powers China and India were consistently in the rear.

Conclusions: Our results mirror the leading role of the USA in pathology research but also demonstrate the relevance of European scientists. The scientometric approach in this study provides a new fundamental and comparative overview of pathology research in the European Union and the USA which could help to benchmark scientific output among countries.