OAE Participates in the 4th Zhuhai Conference on Research Evaluation and Scientific Journal
From January 13 to 16, 2026, the 4th Zhuhai Conference on Research Evaluation and Scientific Journal was held in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. Centered on the theme "Research Evaluation and the Development of Scientific Journals," the conference brought together nearly 400 experts and scholars from universities, research institutions, and journal editorial offices across China and around the world.
The event served as a platform for in-depth discussions on optimizing research evaluation systems and advancing high-quality scholarly publishing. Key topics included research evaluation methodologies, journal ranking systems, research integrity, Open Access (OA) publishing models, and strategies to enhance the international impact and visibility of scientific journals. The conference aimed to promote the coordinated and sustainable development of research governance and scholarly communication ecosystems.
Advancing Research Evaluation and High-Quality Journal Development
During the conference sessions, Mr. Min Fan, Executive President of OAE Publishing Inc., delivered a presentation highlighting OAE's decade-long exploration and practice in scholarly publishing since its establishment in 2015.
Mr. Min Fan, Executive President of OAE Publishing Inc.
He emphasized that scholarly journals serve not only as platforms for disseminating research findings but also as key drivers of academic exchange and disciplinary advancement. He noted that maintaining high content quality - through rigorous peer review and robust editorial standards - is fundamental to journal development. In addition, digital publishing platforms play a crucial role in connecting authors, reviewers, and readers, thereby facilitating the efficient global dissemination of scientific knowledge.
Mr. Fan further underscored that sustained investment and long-term commitment are essential for building internationally influential journals. Looking ahead, OAE will continue to expand its journal portfolio and contribute to a more open, collaborative, and globally connected scholarly publishing ecosystem.
At the same session, Prof. Xingjun Liu, Editor-in-Chief of Sound Science and Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen, Guangdong, China), delivered a keynote presentation on the concept of "Reliable Science." His talk addressed critical issues such as research integrity, evaluation systems, and the translation of scientific findings into real-world applications.
Prof. Xingjun Liu, Editor-in-Chief of Sound Science and Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology
Prof. Liu emphasized that reliable science is grounded in standardized research processes, verifiable results, and traceable data. These principles, he noted, are essential for enhancing scientific credibility and supporting the healthy and sustainable development of the global research ecosystem.
OAE Journals Receive Multiple Annual Awards
During the conference banquet and award ceremony, several OAE journals were recognized for their achievements in journal development and scholarly communication, demonstrating OAE's continued progress in academic publishing.
New Journal of the Year Award: Element and Iontronics
Prof. Fudi Wang (Editor-in-Chief of Element, fourth from left) and Ms. Siqing Hu (Managing Editor of Iontronics, third from left) at the award ceremony
Prof. Fudi Wang, Editor-in-Chief of Element
Element, which focuses on iron metabolism and related emerging research areas, aims to provide a high-quality platform for academic exchange. Its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Fudi Wang, attended the ceremony and accepted the award on behalf of the journal.
Ms. Siqing Hu, Managing Editor of Iontronics
Iontronics, dedicated to the rapidly developing field of iontronics and interdisciplinary research, was honored. Ms. Siqing Hu, Associate Publisher at OAE Publishing Inc. and Managing Editor of Iontronics, accepted the award and noted that since its launch, the journal has attracted leading research teams from 15 countries. She highlighted the journal's vision of being “rooted in China while engaging the global scientific community.”
Creative Cover Design Award
Creative Cover Design Award ceremony
The conference also presented the Creative Cover Design Award to journals demonstrating excellence in visual communication and innovation in academic publishing.
OAE journals Element, Iontronics, and Energy Materials received this award in recognition of their outstanding cover designs, which effectively communicate scientific concepts while enhancing journal identity and global visibility.
Covers of Element, Iontronics, and Energy Materials
OAE representatives at the conference
Through its active participation in this conference, OAE reaffirmed its commitment to advancing high-quality scholarly publishing, strengthening international collaboration, and contributing to the sustainable development of the global research ecosystem.
Respectfully Submitted by OAE Publishing Inc.
