Regional academic journals as a component of Russia’s research infrastructure

To achieve scientific and technological sovereignty, scientific research is the essential driver. However, the crucial role in selecting, evaluating, and promoting high-quality research results play peer- reviewed academic journals. Despite numerous studies on research and publication activity in Russian regions, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of the operational conditions and development level of regional academic journals. This article analyses the ratio of journals published in Moscow versus Russian regions, based on data from the White List of Scientific Journals, and evaluates their level. Using journals of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and its regional branches as an example, the article reveals a disparity between the number of the Level 1 journals in the White List journals published by the RAS in Moscow and the number of similarly ranked journals published by RAS institutions in the regions. A survey conducted in 2025 among editors-in-chief and editorial teams of Russian academic journals showed that most scientific journals are funded via a platinum open access model, i.e. by their founding institutions. However, this funding is insufficient to perform basic editorial functions at a high level, which is necessary for the quality presentation of Russian research to the global academia. Furthermore, editorial teams face staffing challenges. As key factors required for successful development, the representatives of academic journals point to stable funding from the founding institution and the targeted state support. Maintaining and improving the quality of Russian academic journals will contribute to the development of a scientific infrastructure that will foster the advancement of science and strengthens the scientific and technological sovereignty of Russia.