Obtaining an impact factor: mission impossible for Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica.

ABSTRACT

Next spring, we will celebrate 30 years since the first issue of Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica (Acta Dermatovenerol APA) was published and, to our astonishment and disappointment, it seems that the goal we have long awaited (and worked hard for)-obtaining an official impact factor (IF)-is nowhere in sight. Every application for an IF has been met with various reasons why our journal does not fulfill the criteria for inclusion in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE). Given the highly non-transparent evaluation process, we conclude that there probably really is no room for small and independent journals in the world of publishing giants and commercial interests. Although disheartened, we will continue our long-established tradition of providing open-access and quality content in dermatology and sexually transmitted infections for researchers and clinicians in the region and worldwide because science should be open and committed to teamwork.