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We will soon be publishing a major white paper focusing on gut microbiome research globally and in China over the past 24 years. First of all, one of the good news is that in 2019, the number of research papers published by the Chinese team officially surpassed that of the Americans, and in the following years, it made great strides, leaving the Americans behind many positions, and in 2023, it will even be 3.5 times that of the Americans.
Top 5 countries in terms of annual publication from 2000 to 2023
From the overall data of 24 years from 2000 to 2023, a total of 137 countries/regions have participated in the study of the gut microbiome, and China has also topped this list, with a total of 32,771 articles; The United States is the second, with 24,645 articles, followed by Italy, Japan, Germany, etc., all of which are below 5,000 articles. China and the United States are far ahead in the number of publications, and they are the backbone of the field of gut microbiome research.
Top 20 countries in terms of total number of publications from 2000 to 2023
Seeing the above data, I have several feelings.
First, the Chinese team is very strong. With the increase in investment in scientific research at the national, local, scientific research institutions and enterprises, the Chinese team has quickly achieved high production, which is very worthy of recognition.
Second, the research results of the Chinese team are many but not strong, and we need to be wary of the research bubble that may be hidden in them. From 2000 to 2023, the total number of citations of articles published in the field of gut microbiome reached 4,948,793, with the United States, China, the United Kingdom and other countries being the main contributors, among which the United States led the way with more than 1.6 million total citations. This "far ahead" is of high quality.
Top 20 countries and articles by total citations from 2000 to 2023
The average number of citations reflects the average quality and impact of the article from another perspective. From 2000 to 2023, the average number of citations of articles published in the field of gut microbiome reached 40.52. Among them, the United States (66.59), the United Kingdom (68.31), Ireland (79.55), Belgium (68.03), Sweden (71.51), and Switzerland (60.08) were all cited more than 60 times, far exceeding the field average.
As for us, although the number of articles published is far ahead of other countries, the average number of citations is only 19.98, which is only half of the field average.
Of course, I personally think that the number of citations of Chinese articles should increase. Since the beginning of this year, the number of articles published by Chinese scholars in CNS journals and sub-journals has far exceeded that of previous years, and the proportion of high-level and highly cited journals will increase, but it still needs a process.
Third, the high growth in the number of papers will end, and should end. As we mentioned earlier, the peak period of research funding for microbiota in China is probably in 2018 or 2019, and with the promotion of large funds, there will be a peak of papers and conclusions in the next 3~5 years, so we have seen rapid growth in recent years. Later, with the stabilization of funds, the number of documents issued will also stabilize. And as the field matures, everyone will become more and more in pursuit of quality. I look forward to more and more powerful Chinese studies and surpassing the United States in quality!
Finally, the white paper on gut microbiome research we prepared will be unveiled at the Warm Heart Conference on May 29, and a copy will be distributed to every participant. I hope it will inspire you when the time comes.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Conflict of Interest Statement
He is the co-founder and executive editor of iMeta journal, holds positions in professional institutions such as national societies, and serves as a university chair professor.
However, readers should be reminded that the company he founded and mainly works in, Beijing Warm Heart Biotechnology Research Institute Co., Ltd., is a for-profit commercial organization, and he also serves as chairman and director of this company and a number of affiliated companies.
In addition, he is also a consultant or consultant officially employed by Shanghai Pharmaceutical, H&H Group, Mengniu Group and other enterprises, and provides strategy, product and other consulting services for many other enterprises.
Mr. Warmheart benefits from the above-mentioned for-profit organizations through shareholdings, salaries, dividends and consulting fees, and although he always wants to uphold a scientific, objective and impartial attitude at the time of writing, the following conflicts of interest may inevitably exist due to the above reasons:
- Loss of rigor, objectivity, and professionalism in science communication due to commercial motives.
- Emphasis is placed on the products and services of interested companies and other potential options are neglected.
- Emphasize the strengths of the stakeholder companies and downplay their weaknesses.
In order to avoid and reduce the non-objectivity caused by conflicts of interest, Mr. Warmheart will take the following measures:
- This statement is made public, clearly indicating the relationship between the interested companies.
- Evaluate all organizations, including stakeholder companies, objectively and fairly.
- Readers are encouraged to make criticisms and suggestions and to improve them.
When reading Mr. Warmheart's articles, readers should pay attention to understanding his business background, and maintain rational judgment and critical thinking.