36 views||Release time: Jun 20, 2025
When planning your next publication, a common dilemma arises:
Should you submit to a conference or a general (non-core) journal, often called a in Chinese academia?
Each path has its strengths—and the right choice depends on your academic goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences in academic weight, recognition, and evaluation value between conference papers and general journals, and how platforms like iconf.com can help you make smart submission decisions.
A conference paper is a scholarly work presented at an academic conference. It may appear in:
Conference proceedings (often indexed in Scopus, EI, CPCI, etc.)
Post-conference special issues of journals (in selective cases)
Sessions that offer oral or poster presentations
Conference papers are usually shorter and more time-sensitive, reflecting ongoing research or recent findings.
A general journal, often referred to as in Chinese academic circles, typically refers to:
Non-core journals (not indexed in SCI, SSCI, EI, or Scopus)
Regionally circulated or national-level publications
Journals without strict impact factor or international review standards
These journals may still be peer-reviewed but are less competitive and less cited internationally.
| Criteria | Conference Papers | General Journals |
|---|---|---|
| Indexing | Often indexed (EI, Scopus, CPCI) | Rarely indexed in international databases |
| Recognition | Stronger internationally | Limited to regional or institutional scope |
| Speed | Faster submission and review | Slower publication cycle |
| Audience Reach | Global academic community | Mostly domestic readership |
| Evaluation Weight | Higher in engineering/CS fields | May count for basic requirements only |
| Networking Opportunity | Yes (via presentation sessions) | None |
In many disciplines, especially STEM and computer science, a high-quality, indexed conference paper is more valuable than a non-core journal publication.
Choose a conference paper if:
You want fast exposure and real-time feedback on your research
Your field values conferences (e.g., computer science, engineering)
You need to present your work or meet graduation requirements
You aim for Scopus, EI, or CPCI indexing
Platforms like iconf.com help you find such conferences efficiently and confirm their indexing details.
Choose a general journal if:
You’re in fields like education, literature, or social sciences where journals are the main output
Your institution still recognizes domestic journals for evaluations
You have introductory research or reviews that don’t suit conference formats
You’re just starting out and building publication experience
But keep in mind: a core or indexed journal will always carry more weight than
To avoid wasting time on low-value submissions, iconf.com offers:
Verified conference listings with indexing info (Scopus, EI, CPCI)
Submission timelines and formats to plan your publication path
Filters by field, location, and review type
Avoidance of deceptive or low-impact events
This ensures your work lands where it gains maximum value.
In the academic world, not all publications are created equal. Between a high-quality conference paper and a non-core journal article, the conference often offers greater academic visibility, speed, and recognition—especially when indexed.
With guidance from tools like iconf.com, you can focus your efforts on impactful submissions and grow your academic career with clarity and confidence.
