Scopus has published its latest database update and March 2026 is a record month for journal removals.
Sixteen journals. At once. From different countries, different fields, and different levels of perceived prestige.
Among them — journals from Greece, Jordan, Slovenia, Nigeria, Iraq, Italy, the USA and other countries. Covering philosophy, medicine, cybersecurity, mycology, computer science, signal processing, surgery and antenna engineering.
Most importantly: this month’s list includes journals published by Springer Nature and Wiley — two of the most recognised names in academic publishing. This is a critical reminder: even a prestigious publisher does not guarantee permanent Scopus indexation.
This is not an anomaly. This is how Scopus works — and it can affect any author who has submitted or accepted a paper without checking the journal’s current status first
This month’s removals happened without any prior warning.
Use our free 7-point Red Flags Checklist to verify any journal in under 5 minutes — before it’s too late.
Sixteen journals in a single month is not a one-off event. It is a reflection of how Scopus continuously cleans its database — removing journals that no longer meet its standards or have simply ceased to operate.
Twelve journals received a Discontinuation status — meaning they no longer exist as active publications. Four more were removed due to Journal Change Policy — their editorial practices shifted to the point where Scopus could no longer verify compliance with its criteria.
What this means practically for every researcher:
• a paper submitted or accepted before a journal’s removal may not count towards academic evaluation requirements;
• publishing in a removed journal can be grounds for rejection during dissertation defence;
• grants and titles tied to Scopus publications are also put at risk.
The March 2026 update is yet another confirmation of a simple but inconvenient truth: checking your journal before submission is not overcaution — it is essential due diligence.
Researchers who base their decisions on up-to-date data, rather than a journal’s reputation from years ago, are far better protected.
Need help finding the right Scopus journal for your research? Futurity Publishing offers a professional Scopus & Web of Science journal selection and submission support service — so you submit to the right journal, first time.