Forest Ecosystems and Avian Research, two English-language academic journals hosted by Beijing Forestry University, have been ranked as TOP journals in the 2025 Journal Citation Reports (JCR) released by the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Forest Ecosystems secured a Q1 position in both the "Agricultural and Forestry Sciences" category and the "Forestry" subfield, while Avian Research achieved a historic breakthrough by entering the Q1 tier in the "Biology" category while maintaining its Q1 standing in the "Ornithology" subfield. 

Forest Ecosystems, an open-access journal co-published by BFU and KeAi, focuses on cutting-edge research in forest ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and climate change responses. With an impact factor (IF) of 3.8, the journal features contributions from international authors (60% of total articles) and reaches readers in over 100 countries. Its international editorial board comprises 64 scholars from 19 countries, ensuring rigorous academic standards. 

Avian Research, jointly published by BFU and the Ornithological Society of China, is a leading open-access platform for studies in avian behavior, evolutionary biology, and conservation. The journal, with an IF of 1.6, publishes twice the annual article volume of industry averages and attracts submissions from researchers in 80+ countries (50% international authorship). Its editorial board includes renowned ornithologists from nearly 20 countries, supporting its rapid growth. 

The dual recognition underscores BFU's commitment to advancing global academic exchange through its "high-quality, internationalized" publishing strategy. The university’s Editorial Department of Journal stated it will further streamline publishing procedures, enhance international collaboration, and attract high-impact research to bolster BFU's "Double First-Class" initiative. 

Background

The CAS Journal Citation Reports, established in 2004, evaluates academic journals worldwide using scientometric methods. Its objective methodology has made it a widely recognized reference for research institutions and policymakers in China. 

Written by Li Hui
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang