The scholarly journal Letonica achieves success in the citation database Scopus ranking

The academic journal Letonica, published by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (ILFA), has been ranked in the top quartiles (Q1 and Q2) of the latest evaluation by the international citation database Scopus. This confirms that the citation index of original research articles published in the journal reaches at least 50% of the average citation index in the field.

In Scopus, the journal is indexed in five subject areas – Literature and Literary Theory (Q1); Visual Arts and Performing Arts (Q1); History (Q2); Music (Q2); and Cultural Studies (Q2) – making it one of the widest-ranging Latvian academic journals in terms of disciplinary coverage.

Eva Eglāja-Kristsone, Director of ILFA, emphasizes:

“The news of Letonica’s excellent performance resonates with last year’s celebration of the journal’s 25th anniversary and the publication of its 50th issue. Looking back, the main key to success has crystallized: a broad circle of authors beyond ILFA, interdisciplinarity, and the gradual involvement of international contributors. Great credit goes to the former editors, and especially to the current editor-in-chief Jānis Oga, who has carefully ensured not only the journal’s high scientific quality but also opportunities for raising citation indicators and its visibility in the international academic community. Publishing in Letonica, as well as in other journals indexed in international citation databases, enables humanities researchers to reach a wide scholarly audience—both introducing colleagues abroad to nationally significant research results and situating their work within broader international contexts.”

Assoc. Prof. Guntars Kitenbergs, Vice-Rector for Science at the University of Latvia, adds:

“The humanities at the University of Latvia have a special role and responsibility in the national context. At the same time, modern science is international, so it is important to present national issues in ways that correspond to current research priorities and are visible globally. The work of ILFA and the Letonica team succeeds in this, providing an excellent example to follow.”

Edvards Francis Kuks, Head of the RIS3 Unit at the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Ministry of Education and Science, states:

“The Ministry of Education and Science welcomes the success of the journal Letonica. Placement in the 1st and 2nd quartiles reflects both the quality of research represented in the journal and its visibility in literary studies and related fields. The growth of Letonica and its engaging thematic issues remind us that science is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary and requires close collaboration across fields. ILFA’s purposeful work in building cooperation with Baltic and European researchers can serve as an example for other Latvian academic journals. For Latvian scholars, it is also an opportunity to publish in a high-quality journal, thereby promoting the international visibility of Latvian science.”

Letonica is an interdisciplinary academic journal published since 1998. It features original, previously unpublished research articles in the humanities and social sciences, all of which undergo anonymous peer review. The journal is indexed in Scopus, ERIH PLUS, and EBSCO.

In 2023, six issues were published, including four thematic issues and three in English, with contributions from researchers at Latvian and foreign institutions, as well as doctoral students. This reflects strong collaboration and mutual engagement both individually and institutionally. In 2024, one thematic issue (Experience in the City: Narratives, Memories and Place Heritage) has already been released, with two more issues planned. Publication is supported by the University of Latvia, the State Culture Capital Foundation, and the Latvian Council of Science.

Issues of Letonica are available at major Latvian bookstores, at the Friends Room of the National Library of Latvia, and at ILFA’s office in Riga (Mūkusalas iela 3).
The journal can also be accessed online in open access: lulfmi.lv/letonica/letonica-zurnali