Energy & Environmental Materials (EEM), an English-language academic journal published by Zhengzhou University (ZZU), has achieved remarkable international recognition in just eight years since its launch. According to the 2025 edition of the World Journal Clout Index (WJCI) Report by the China Association for Science and Technology, EEM now ranks 6th in environmental sciences and 12th in materials science, with 8,678 total citations.
ZZU's journal EEM makes an eight-year leap, achieving remarkable international recognition. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]
"EEM was founded to break down perceptions about research from Chinese regional universities, enhance the global influence of Chinese journals, and advance ZZU's international collaboration," said Shao Guosheng, editor-in-chief of EEM.
The journal's success is driven by its innovative dual-editor model, featuring leading scholars from 22 countries and regions, including eight academicians. In 2024, international submissions exceeded domestic ones for the first time, reaching 59 percent, while citations from overseas accounted for 27.8 percent — clear evidence of its growing acceptance within global scientific communities.
EEM attracts swathes of curious attendees at the exhibition area of the China Materials Conference. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]
EEM has created a virtuous cycle between journal development and academic advancement. Closely aligned with ZZU's world-class disciplines in materials science and chemistry, the journal has nurtured emerging talent through its youth editorial board system, with several members later recognized as national-level experts. This, in turn, has strengthened ZZU's disciplinary standing and international partnerships.
The journal's trajectory embodies ZZU's broader vision of contributing to China's academic voice on the global stage.
Attendees at the EEM young scientists forum pose for a group photo. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]