Scientific Output Indicators and Scientific Collaboration Network Mapping in Brazil

Abstract

This is an investigation of Brazilian articles indexed by SCI between 2004 and 2006 with the purpose of understanding the scientific collaboration in the Brazilian community. The 49,046 articles that have been examined show that national scientific output increased every year during the period and that articles were published in a great number of journals, 15.7% of which were national publications. The most productive areas are Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Clinical and Experimental Medicine II. Authors from several institutions were identified, which indicates Brazil has yet to establish a consolidated pattern of publication, since several of the institutions contributed only one article (59.1%). Co-publication between individuals increased in the period, representing about 96% of national output. The mean number of authors per article is 6.3. Scientific output is concentrated in few institutions, mostly public universities located in specific regions. The mean number of institutions per article is 2.4, and looking into the most productive institutions, the practice of intra-institutional co-publication stood out. When relative collaboration indices and multivariate analysis were applied, regional groups proved to be formed. International co-publication decreased in percentage in the period, representing 30.3% of the total articles. The USA, France, the United Kingdom and Germany are the biggest partners in terms of articles; however, relative indices reveal the USA and Argentina are the main partners. Motivation for international collaboration seems to follow historical, linguistic and geographical proximity reasons.