Scopus has released its latest database update—and in January 2026, seven journals lost their indexing status.
Before selecting journals indexed in Scopus, it is important to understand that the Scopus journal database is constantly updated, and the list of journals included in Scopus changes every month. A journal that is currently included in the Scopus list may be removed from it tomorrow.
The list includes journals from various countries and covering a range of subjects: from mathematics and medicine to chemistry and electrochemistry. The reasons for exclusion fall into two main categories: Discontinuation (cessation of publication) and Journal Change Policy (change in editorial policy). It is particularly noteworthy that one of the excluded journals—Architecture Image Studies—had previously been featured in our column “Candidates for Removal from Scopus.”
The journal we warned about has been officially removed from Scopus
In the “Journals at Risk of Being Removed from Scopus” section, we systematically analyze high-risk journals. This month, Scopus confirmed the removal of one of the journals we had previously analyzed in detail:
Architectural Image Studies — Analysis in Issue No. 12: “Candidates for Removal from Scopus”
The journal was accepted into Scopus in 2024, but as early as August 2025, it drastically changed its editorial policy—it became “multidisciplinary” and began sending mass emails to authors. A detailed analysis revealed the publication of articles that did not fit the journal’s scope, a lack of quality peer review, and a rapid increase in the number of publications.
Typical “warning signs” that we have observed:
- publication of articles that do not correspond to the stated topic of architecture;
- a sharp shift from a highly specialized to a "multidisciplinary" format;
- the lack of high-quality peer review;
- a rapid increase in the number of publications over a short period;
- mass mailings to authors inviting them to submit manuscripts.
📊 81% Forecast Accuracy
Between 2024 and 2025, 36 of the 44 journals we had flagged in the “Candidates for Removal from Scopus” section were officially removed from Scopus — This is the highest figure among teams that monitor scientific publications.
Official List of Excluded Journals (January 2026)
1. Architecture and Image Studies
E-ISSN: 2184-8645 |
Publisher: AP2 (Portugal) |
Reason: Journal Change Policy |
Scopus: View in Scopus | The magazine's website: journals.ap2.pt |
|
|
Quartile: Q4 Country: Portugal Topics: architecture, design Accepted by Scopus: 2024 Publication cost: starting at 250 EUR |
|
— Publication of articles not related to architecture or design (non-compliance with the stated subject matter) — a sudden transition to a “multidisciplinary” format starting in August 2025 — lack of high-quality peer review — a sharp increase in the number of publications over a short period of time — mass emails to authors urging them to submit articles |
This journal was analyzed in our 
Journal Profile
Major Violations2. Contemporary Mathematics
- ISSN (Print): 2705-1064
- E-ISSN (Online): 2705-1056
- Publisher: Universal Wiser Publisher
- Reason: Discontinuation
Scopus link: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21100830161
3. International Neurological Journal (Ukraine)
- ISSN (Print): 2224-0713
- E-ISSN (Online): 2307-1419
- Publisher: Zaslavsky Publishing House
- Reason: Discontinuation
Scopus link: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21101212706
4. Journal of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research
- ISSN (Print): 2981-0221
- E-ISSN (Online): 2981-0213
- Publisher: Sami Publishing Company
- Reason: Discontinuation
Scopus link: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21101176855
5. Journal of New Materials for Electrochemical Systems
- ISSN: 1480-2422
- Publisher: International Association for Information and Engineering Technology
- Reason: Journal Change Policy
Scopus link: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/25198
6. Premier Journal of Science
- E-ISSN (Online): 3049-9011
- Publisher: Premier Science
- Reason: Discontinuation
Scopus link: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21101293002
7. Reliability: Theory and Applications
- E-ISSN: 1932-2321
- Publisher: Gnedenko Forum
- Reason: Discontinuation
Scopus link: https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21100967049
AI-Based Journal Risk Analysis (Scopus) in 60 Seconds
Publishing in a "high-risk" journal can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars!
To avoid guessing — check the journal before submission:
– enter the journal name / ISSN / E-ISSN
– the bot will provide a quick risk screening and advise what to check additionally
Scan the QR code or click the button below
Conclusion
The January Scopus update served as yet another reminder that indexing is not a static characteristic of a journal, but a dynamic indicator that can change at any moment.
The seven journals that were removed from the index this month represent different countries, subject areas, and reasons for exclusion. Among them is a publication from Ukraine, which is particularly painful for Ukrainian scholars under the current circumstances.
For the author, any deindexing means: A publication not being counted toward promotion or a faculty appointment, possible delays or refusals to allow the defense of a dissertation, problems with grant applications, and the loss of months or even a year of work.
Under these circumstances, choosing a magazine on your own is increasingly turning into a gamble, where a mistake can prove too costly.
Our monitoring data confirm this: between 2024 and 2025, 36 of the 44 journals that we identified as at risk in the “Candidates for Removal from Scopus” section were officially removed from the database. This is the highest rate among teams that monitor scientific publications.
The January update demonstrates once again that in today's academic environment, the authors who thrive are those who rely not on assumptions or luck, but on clear data and systematic monitoring.
For Ukrainian science, which today competes on the international stage while operating amid military and economic challenges, the quality of publications and the reliability of indexing are not merely a formality but a strategic necessity.
