Series Overview
To publish research results and build a career in the Materials Informatics (MI) field, it is essential to select appropriate journals and conferences and strategically submit and present your work.
This series systematically explains 21 major journals and 16 international and domestic conferences that MI researchers should know. From the characteristics of each journal, Impact Factor, review period, and submission strategies to effective networking at conferences and step-up strategies for different career stages, we comprehensively cover practical information.
💡 Features of This Series
- Practical Submission Strategies: Detailed explanation of each journal's characteristics and suitable research types
- Career Stage-Specific Guide: Step-by-step roadmaps from undergraduate students to early-career researchers
- Latest Data: 2023 Impact Factors, review periods, and open access information included
- Conference Presentation Tips: Networking, presentation, and Q&A techniques
- Comprehensive Japanese Information: Detailed introduction to MI-related academic societies and research groups in Japan
Learning Flow
This series consists of five chapters. Each chapter can be read independently, but progressing in order will provide a systematic understanding.
flowchart TD
A[Chapter 1: Fundamentals of
Conferences & Journals] --> B[Chapter 2: Detailed Guide to
21 MI Specialized Journals] B --> C[Chapter 3: Selecting Materials
Science & ML Journals] C --> D[Chapter 4: 16 International
& Domestic Conferences] D --> E[Chapter 5: Submission Strategy
& Career Path] style A fill:#e3f2fd style B fill:#fff3e0 style C fill:#f3e5f5 style D fill:#e8f5e9 style E fill:#fce4ec
Conferences & Journals] --> B[Chapter 2: Detailed Guide to
21 MI Specialized Journals] B --> C[Chapter 3: Selecting Materials
Science & ML Journals] C --> D[Chapter 4: 16 International
& Domestic Conferences] D --> E[Chapter 5: Submission Strategy
& Career Path] style A fill:#e3f2fd style B fill:#fff3e0 style C fill:#f3e5f5 style D fill:#e8f5e9 style E fill:#fce4ec
Details of All 5 Chapters
Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Conferences and Journals
Learn the basics of research presentation, including the roles of journals and conferences, the meaning of Impact Factor, types of open access, and the review process flow. From "why write papers" to "where to publish," we explain the fundamental concepts that beginners should grasp.
Chapter 2: MI Specialized Journals - Complete Guide to 21 Journals
Detailed explanation of 21 specialized journals optimal for MI research, including npj Computational Materials, InfoMat, and Digital Discovery. Comprehensive coverage of each journal's Impact Factor, review period, open access fees, suitable research types, and career stage-specific recommendations.
Chapter 3: Selecting Materials Science and Machine Learning Journals
Learn how to select general and ML specialized journals that publish MI research, such as Nature Materials, Advanced Materials, and Machine Learning: Science and Technology. Provides a flowchart for optimal journal selection by research type and strategies for top journal submissions.
Chapter 5: Submission Strategy and Career Path
Learn practical career-building methods, including submission and presentation strategies by career stage, how to write cover letters, responding to reviewer comments, step-down strategies, and networking tips. Also provides 3-month, 1-year, and 3-year roadmaps.
Target Audience
- Undergraduates to 1st-Year Master's Students: Those considering conference presentations or paper submissions for the first time
- 2nd-Year Master's to Doctoral Students: Those aiming for international conference debuts or top journal submissions
- Postdocs to Early-Career Researchers: Those wanting to learn strategic venue selection for career advancement
- Corporate R&D Engineers: Those considering MI research presentations in industry
Prerequisites
Required:
- Basic MI concepts (Materials Informatics Introduction Series recommended)
- Basic research process (problem definition, experiments/calculations, result analysis)
Recommended:
- Machine learning fundamentals (experience with scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.)
- Paper reading experience (at least 5-10 papers)
- Research theme (understanding your own research content is necessary for venue selection)
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which conference should I attend?
A: It depends on your career stage and research content.
Beginners (Undergraduates to 1st-Year Master's): We recommend starting with domestic conferences like the Society of Materials Science Japan or MRS-Japan. Participation fees are low (2,000-5,000 yen for students), Q&A can be conducted in Japanese, and networking is easier.
Intermediate (2nd-Year Master's to Doctoral): Challenge yourself with international conferences like MRS (Materials Research Society) or MRM (Materials Research Meeting). English presentation experience is essential during doctoral studies.
Advanced (Postdocs and above): Aim for oral presentations and invited talks at large international conferences like E-MRS and IUMRS-ICAM.
Beginners (Undergraduates to 1st-Year Master's): We recommend starting with domestic conferences like the Society of Materials Science Japan or MRS-Japan. Participation fees are low (2,000-5,000 yen for students), Q&A can be conducted in Japanese, and networking is easier.
Intermediate (2nd-Year Master's to Doctoral): Challenge yourself with international conferences like MRS (Materials Research Society) or MRM (Materials Research Meeting). English presentation experience is essential during doctoral studies.
Advanced (Postdocs and above): Aim for oral presentations and invited talks at large international conferences like E-MRS and IUMRS-ICAM.
Q2: How do I select a submission venue?
A: Consider the following five factors:
1. Novelty Level: Nature series for groundbreaking discoveries, specialized journals for incremental improvements
2. Target Audience: Acta Materialia for materials scientists, Nature Machine Intelligence for ML community
3. Publication Speed: Digital Discovery (1-2 months) if rapid publication is needed
4. Open Access: npj Computational Materials if funds available, Journal of Cheminformatics (free OA) for limited budgets
5. Career Goals: InfoMat (IF 22.0) if prioritizing Impact Factor, Computational Materials Science for community recognition
1. Novelty Level: Nature series for groundbreaking discoveries, specialized journals for incremental improvements
2. Target Audience: Acta Materialia for materials scientists, Nature Machine Intelligence for ML community
3. Publication Speed: Digital Discovery (1-2 months) if rapid publication is needed
4. Open Access: npj Computational Materials if funds available, Journal of Cheminformatics (free OA) for limited budgets
5. Career Goals: InfoMat (IF 22.0) if prioritizing Impact Factor, Computational Materials Science for community recognition
Q3: Open Access vs. Traditional Journals - Which is better?
A: Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Open Access (OA) Advantages: Free access for everyone (increased visibility), increased citations, meets funder OA requirements
OA Disadvantages: Author fees (typically €3,000-5,000), cost burden when OA is not mandatory
Traditional Advantages: No author fees, prestige of established journals
Traditional Disadvantages: Access limited to subscribers (reduced visibility), some funders require OA
Recommendation: Choose OA journals if research funding includes OA expenses, select hybrid OA journals (author-selectable) for limited budgets.
Open Access (OA) Advantages: Free access for everyone (increased visibility), increased citations, meets funder OA requirements
OA Disadvantages: Author fees (typically €3,000-5,000), cost burden when OA is not mandatory
Traditional Advantages: No author fees, prestige of established journals
Traditional Disadvantages: Access limited to subscribers (reduced visibility), some funders require OA
Recommendation: Choose OA journals if research funding includes OA expenses, select hybrid OA journals (author-selectable) for limited budgets.
Q4: What is the review process? How long does it take?
A: The review process proceeds in the following steps:
1. Submission → 2. Editorial Check (1-2 weeks) → 3. Reviewer Selection (1 week) → 4. Review (2-8 weeks) → 5. Decision (Accept/Major Revision/Minor Revision/Reject)
Total Duration: Average 2-6 months (varies significantly by journal)
Fastest: Digital Discovery (1-2 months)
Standard: Computational Materials Science (2-4 months)
Longer: Nature Materials (3-6 months, including desk rejects)
Note: For Major Revisions, re-review after corrections can take an additional 1-3 months.
1. Submission → 2. Editorial Check (1-2 weeks) → 3. Reviewer Selection (1 week) → 4. Review (2-8 weeks) → 5. Decision (Accept/Major Revision/Minor Revision/Reject)
Total Duration: Average 2-6 months (varies significantly by journal)
Fastest: Digital Discovery (1-2 months)
Standard: Computational Materials Science (2-4 months)
Longer: Nature Materials (3-6 months, including desk rejects)
Note: For Major Revisions, re-review after corrections can take an additional 1-3 months.
Q5: What should I prepare for international conference presentations?
A: Prepare using the following 6 steps:
3 Months Before: Submit abstract, book accommodation and flights
2 Months Before: Start creating slides, practice presentation (write English script)
1 Month Before: Complete slides, conduct lab rehearsal (including Q&A)
2 Weeks Before: Create anticipated questions list, prepare answers
1 Week Before: Print poster (for poster presentations), print business cards
Day Before: Visit venue, confirm presentation time and room, check slide functionality
Additional Tips: Strictly adhere to presentation time (ensure Q&A time), use 15-20 slides (for 15-minute presentation), save to both backup USB and online storage
3 Months Before: Submit abstract, book accommodation and flights
2 Months Before: Start creating slides, practice presentation (write English script)
1 Month Before: Complete slides, conduct lab rehearsal (including Q&A)
2 Weeks Before: Create anticipated questions list, prepare answers
1 Week Before: Print poster (for poster presentations), print business cards
Day Before: Visit venue, confirm presentation time and room, check slide functionality
Additional Tips: Strictly adhere to presentation time (ensure Q&A time), use 15-20 slides (for 15-minute presentation), save to both backup USB and online storage
Q6: What are the best practices for paper writing?
A: We recommend the following structure:
Abstract: Background 1 sentence + Method 1 sentence + Main results 2-3 sentences + Significance 1 sentence (total 150-200 words)
Introduction: Background and challenges, prior work review, research gap, objectives and novelty of this study
Methods: Reproducible detail level, dataset, computational settings, tool versions used
Results: Figure-centered, clear captions for each figure, objective description (discussion in Discussion section)
Discussion: Interpretation of results, comparison with prior work, limitations and future challenges
Conclusion: 3 main findings, scientific and practical significance
Figures/Tables: Captions understandable from paper alone, high resolution (300 dpi or higher), consider color universal design
Abstract: Background 1 sentence + Method 1 sentence + Main results 2-3 sentences + Significance 1 sentence (total 150-200 words)
Introduction: Background and challenges, prior work review, research gap, objectives and novelty of this study
Methods: Reproducible detail level, dataset, computational settings, tool versions used
Results: Figure-centered, clear captions for each figure, objective description (discussion in Discussion section)
Discussion: Interpretation of results, comparison with prior work, limitations and future challenges
Conclusion: 3 main findings, scientific and practical significance
Figures/Tables: Captions understandable from paper alone, high resolution (300 dpi or higher), consider color universal design
Q7: What is the meaning and limitations of Impact Factor?
A: Impact Factor (IF) indicates journal influence but has limitations.
Definition: Average number of times papers published in the past 2 years were cited in the current year
Calculation Example: Papers from 2022-2023 cited 10 times on average in 2024 → IF = 10.0
Advantages: Objective comparison possible, quick grasp of journal influence
Limitations:
- IF range varies by field (Materials Science: 2-40, Mathematics: 0.5-3)
- Journals with many review papers tend to have higher IF
- New journals have low IF due to lack of track record (InfoMat achieved IF 22.0 in 3 years since launch)
- Citation count ≠ Research quality
Recommendation: Use IF as one reference, and comprehensively consider journal reputation, review quality, editorial board, and quality of published papers.
Definition: Average number of times papers published in the past 2 years were cited in the current year
Calculation Example: Papers from 2022-2023 cited 10 times on average in 2024 → IF = 10.0
Advantages: Objective comparison possible, quick grasp of journal influence
Limitations:
- IF range varies by field (Materials Science: 2-40, Mathematics: 0.5-3)
- Journals with many review papers tend to have higher IF
- New journals have low IF due to lack of track record (InfoMat achieved IF 22.0 in 3 years since launch)
- Citation count ≠ Research quality
Recommendation: Use IF as one reference, and comprehensively consider journal reputation, review quality, editorial board, and quality of published papers.
Q8: Is using preprint servers recommended?
A: Yes, strongly recommended. Especially arXiv and ChemRxiv are useful.
Advantages:
- Can publish research results before peer review (secure priority)
- Obtain feedback from research community
- Increased visibility (cited before journal publication)
- Free
Major Preprint Servers:
- arXiv (Physics, Mathematics, CS, Materials Science): https://arxiv.org/
- ChemRxiv (Chemistry, Materials Chemistry): https://chemrxiv.org/
- bioRxiv (Life Sciences, Biomaterials): https://www.biorxiv.org/
Note: Some journals do not allow preprint publication, so check before submission (most major journals allow it).
Advantages:
- Can publish research results before peer review (secure priority)
- Obtain feedback from research community
- Increased visibility (cited before journal publication)
- Free
Major Preprint Servers:
- arXiv (Physics, Mathematics, CS, Materials Science): https://arxiv.org/
- ChemRxiv (Chemistry, Materials Chemistry): https://chemrxiv.org/
- bioRxiv (Life Sciences, Biomaterials): https://www.biorxiv.org/
Note: Some journals do not allow preprint publication, so check before submission (most major journals allow it).
Q9: Are there support programs for students and early-career researchers?
A: Many conferences have support programs.
MRS (Materials Research Society):
- Student Registration (discounted student participation fee $100-150)
- Student Poster Award (outstanding poster award $500)
- Arthur Nowick Scholarship (doctoral students $2,000)
Society of Materials Science Japan:
- Student Membership (annual fee 2,000 yen, 1/5 of regular)
- Student Outstanding Presentation Award (recognition at annual meeting)
- Young Researcher Exchange Meeting (free participation)
E-MRS:
- Young Scientist Award (under 35 years €500)
- Best Poster Prize (multiple awards at each symposium)
Others:
- JSPS Research Fellowship (DC1/DC2: 200,000 yen/month + research expenses 1,500,000 yen)
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (conference participation fees and travel support)
Tips: Consulting with your university's student support office or advisor may reveal additional support programs.
MRS (Materials Research Society):
- Student Registration (discounted student participation fee $100-150)
- Student Poster Award (outstanding poster award $500)
- Arthur Nowick Scholarship (doctoral students $2,000)
Society of Materials Science Japan:
- Student Membership (annual fee 2,000 yen, 1/5 of regular)
- Student Outstanding Presentation Award (recognition at annual meeting)
- Young Researcher Exchange Meeting (free participation)
E-MRS:
- Young Scientist Award (under 35 years €500)
- Best Poster Prize (multiple awards at each symposium)
Others:
- JSPS Research Fellowship (DC1/DC2: 200,000 yen/month + research expenses 1,500,000 yen)
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (conference participation fees and travel support)
Tips: Consulting with your university's student support office or advisor may reveal additional support programs.
Q10: What are the basics of research ethics and authorship?
A: Please adhere to the following principles:
Authorship Qualification: Must meet all four of the following:
1. Substantial contribution to research conception/design, data acquisition/analysis/interpretation
2. Drafting manuscript or critical revision of important intellectual content
3. Final approval of published manuscript
4. Responsible for accuracy and integrity of all parts of the research
Author Order: Usually by contribution (first author, second author, ..., last author (corresponding author))
Prohibited Actions:
- Plagiarism: Using others' text/ideas without citing sources
- Data Fabrication/Falsification: Fabricating or modifying data
- Duplicate Publication: Submitting same content to multiple journals
- Salami Slicing: Unnecessarily dividing one research into multiple papers
Recommendation: Must read each journal's Ethical Guidelines before submission. Consult advisor or co-authors on unclear points.
Authorship Qualification: Must meet all four of the following:
1. Substantial contribution to research conception/design, data acquisition/analysis/interpretation
2. Drafting manuscript or critical revision of important intellectual content
3. Final approval of published manuscript
4. Responsible for accuracy and integrity of all parts of the research
Author Order: Usually by contribution (first author, second author, ..., last author (corresponding author))
Prohibited Actions:
- Plagiarism: Using others' text/ideas without citing sources
- Data Fabrication/Falsification: Fabricating or modifying data
- Duplicate Publication: Submitting same content to multiple journals
- Salami Slicing: Unnecessarily dividing one research into multiple papers
Recommendation: Must read each journal's Ethical Guidelines before submission. Consult advisor or co-authors on unclear points.
Q11: What are tips for English paper writing?
A: We recommend the following techniques:
1. Simple English: Avoid complex constructions, use simple subject-verb-object structure
2. Active Voice: "We calculated..." > "It was calculated..."
3. Present Tense: Introduction/Discussion, Past Tense: Methods/Results
4. One Idea Per Sentence: Don't pack multiple claims into one sentence
5. Paragraph Structure: Topic sentence + Supporting sentences + Concluding sentence
6. Use Connectives: However (contrast), Moreover (addition), Therefore (conclusion)
7. Consistent Terminology: Don't mix "machine learning" and "ML"
Tools:
- Grammarly (grammar checking)
- DeepL Write (correction to natural English)
- Google Scholar (search for similar expressions)
Last Resort: English editing services (Editage, AJE, etc., 30,000-50,000 yen)
1. Simple English: Avoid complex constructions, use simple subject-verb-object structure
2. Active Voice: "We calculated..." > "It was calculated..."
3. Present Tense: Introduction/Discussion, Past Tense: Methods/Results
4. One Idea Per Sentence: Don't pack multiple claims into one sentence
5. Paragraph Structure: Topic sentence + Supporting sentences + Concluding sentence
6. Use Connectives: However (contrast), Moreover (addition), Therefore (conclusion)
7. Consistent Terminology: Don't mix "machine learning" and "ML"
Tools:
- Grammarly (grammar checking)
- DeepL Write (correction to natural English)
- Google Scholar (search for similar expressions)
Last Resort: English editing services (Editage, AJE, etc., 30,000-50,000 yen)
Q12: What should I do while waiting for review results after submission?
A: Make effective use of the waiting period.
1. Start Next Research: Since review period (2-6 months) is long, begin new projects
2. Preprint Publication: Publish submitted paper on arXiv or ChemRxiv (secure priority)
3. Conference Presentation Preparation: Present same content at conferences (check submission venue regulations)
4. Create Anticipated Questions List: Identify weaknesses reviewers might point out, prepare answers
5. Plan Additional Experiments: Prioritize additional experiments in preparation for Major Revision
6. Track Related Papers: Check new arrivals of related papers with Google Scholar Alert
Note: Duplicate submission of same content to other journals is strictly prohibited. Only after rejection can you submit to another journal after revision.
1. Start Next Research: Since review period (2-6 months) is long, begin new projects
2. Preprint Publication: Publish submitted paper on arXiv or ChemRxiv (secure priority)
3. Conference Presentation Preparation: Present same content at conferences (check submission venue regulations)
4. Create Anticipated Questions List: Identify weaknesses reviewers might point out, prepare answers
5. Plan Additional Experiments: Prioritize additional experiments in preparation for Major Revision
6. Track Related Papers: Check new arrivals of related papers with Google Scholar Alert
Note: Duplicate submission of same content to other journals is strictly prohibited. Only after rejection can you submit to another journal after revision.
Reference Links
📚 Existing Guide
Detailed information on 21 journals and 16 conferences
🌐 Materials Project
https://materialsproject.org/
DFT calculation database of 140,000+ materials
DFT calculation database of 140,000+ materials
🎓 Materials Research Society
https://www.mrs.org/
International materials science society (held twice annually in spring and fall)
International materials science society (held twice annually in spring and fall)
🇯🇵 Society of Materials Science, Japan
https://www.jsms.jp/
Japan's largest materials science society
Japan's largest materials science society
📊 Journal Citation Reports
https://jcr.clarivate.com/
Official Impact Factor database
Official Impact Factor database
📖 Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com/
Paper search and citation tracking tool
Paper search and citation tracking tool
Next Steps
Are you ready? Start with Chapter 1 and begin your journey into the world of MI journals and conferences!
🚀 Recommended Learning Sequence
Beginners (Undergraduates to 1st-Year Master's):
Chapter 1 (Fundamentals) → Chapter 2 (MI Specialized Journals) → Chapter 4 (Domestic Conferences) → Chapter 5 (Submission Strategy)
Duration: 50-70 minutes
Intermediate (2nd-Year Master's to Doctoral):
Chapter 2 (MI Specialized Journals) → Chapter 3 (General & ML Journals) → Chapter 4 (International Conferences) → Chapter 5 (Submission Strategy)
Duration: 60-80 minutes
Advanced (Postdocs and above):
Chapter 3 (Top Journal Strategy) → Chapter 5 (Career Path) → Select chapters of interest
Duration: 30-50 minutes