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The SPR-Index: A Novel Metric Integrating the H-Index with Verified Peer Review Scores

Author

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  • Ueric José Borges de Souza

    (Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Campus of Gurupi, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi 77410-570, TO, Brazil)

  • Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque

    (Master’s Program in Clinical Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-903, RS, Brazil
    Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil
    Center of Studies in Science and Technology, Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Lichinga P.O. Box 544, Niassa, Mozambique)

  • Evgeni Evgeniev Gabev

    (Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Fernando Rosado Spilki

    (Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo 93525-075, RS, Brazil)

  • Fabrício Souza Campos

    (Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Campus of Gurupi, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi 77410-570, TO, Brazil
    Laboratório de Bioinformática & Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, RS, Brazil)

Abstract

This manuscript introduces the Scientific Peer Review Index (SPR-index), a novel metric designed to enhance the H-index by incorporating verified peer review records from the Web of Science database. The SPR-index aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of researchers by considering not only their publication record but also their contributions to the peer review system—an essential yet often overlooked aspect of academic work. Given the increasing difficulty in finding qualified reviewers, this metric aims to recognize and incentivize peer review efforts. The SPR-index is calculated as the product of a researcher’s H-index, normalized by their number of publications, and the total number of verified peer reviews, offering a more nuanced measure of their academic impact. Additionally, we propose factoring in review length to acknowledge researchers who provide in-depth evaluations that exceed the average word count. However, its successful implementation depends on improvements in Clarivate’s peer review data collection, particularly in enhancing the accuracy and completeness of verified review records. Researchers must also ensure their reviews are visible in the Web of Science by selecting appropriate visibility settings. The further refinement and validation of this metric are needed to support its widespread adoption in the academic community.

Suggested Citation

  • Ueric José Borges de Souza & Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque & Evgeni Evgeniev Gabev & Fernando Rosado Spilki & Fabrício Souza Campos, 2025. "The SPR-Index: A Novel Metric Integrating the H-Index with Verified Peer Review Scores," Publications, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jpubli:v:13:y:2025:i:2:p:22-:d:1647759
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vladlen Koltun & David Hafner, 2021. "The h-index is no longer an effective correlate of scientific reputation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, June.
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