One of the most common questions we receive from prospective applicants is whether journal Impact Factor (IF) completely determines the outcome of the International Medis Awards. The short answer is: no.

Publishing in a journal with a high Impact Factor is an important scientific achievement and an essential part of the evaluation process. However, as citation practices and journal IFs vary significantly across scientific disciplines, comparing research outputs solely based on the IF of the publishing journal may be misleading. Additionally, scientific excellence cannot be measured by a single metric alone. That is why the International Medis Awards use a balanced evaluation system that combines objective scientific indicators with independent expert assessment.

The first stage of evaluation is based on predefined objective criteria which include: the journal's Impact Factor (balanced per field and journal quartile), authorship position, type of clinical research and country. These factors help ensure a transparent and consistent assessment of every eligible application and provide a common framework for comparing publications from different research environments across the International Medis Awards region.

The second stage focuses on what numbers alone cannot fully capture. Each eligible publication is independently evaluated by the International Scientific Committee, which assesses its scientific originality, level of innovation/novelty and clinical importance. This expert review ensures that the evaluation reflects not only where the research was published, but also its potential to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care.

This means that two publications with a similar – or even very different – Impact Factors may receive different final evaluations. A study that offers a meaningful contribution to clinical practice or introduces an important new scientific insight may be recognized for its value beyond bibliometric indicators alone.

The International Medis Awards were established to celebrate outstanding clinical research. Their evaluation system reflects this mission by combining measurable scientific achievements with expert judgement, ensuring that every application is assessed fairly, consistently and with a strong focus on its real contribution to medicine.

Publishing in a high-impact journal is an excellent achievement, however, it is only the beginning of the story. At the International Medis Awards, research is ultimately recognized for the difference it can make to science, clinical practice and, most importantly, to patients.