Félix de Moya-Anegón, CEO of SCImago, introduced the SCImago Media Atlas, an innovative tool designed to connect two worlds that, while interdependent, are not always aligned: research institutions and global media outlets.

The current challenge for universities lies not only in the generation of knowledge but in its social reach. Scientific media impact has become a relevant metric for institutions seeking to transcend academic boundaries and position themselves on the global public agenda. However, the gap between research output and media coverage remains a significant obstacle for many top-tier institutions.

The paradox of scientific media impact and visibility

The “scientific visibility paradox” illustrates how academic excellence does not always translate into media presence. Factors such as linguistic bias and geographical fragmentation create asymmetries where institutions with high scientific capacity remain invisible to the global public opinion radar. Managing this risk is vital for institutional reputation.

Data-Driven communication strategies

To address this challenge, SCImago has developed a tool that connects over 6,000 research institutions with more than 6,600 media outlets worldwide. This connection is established through institutional mentions in news coverage.

  • Media Visibility Index (MVI): Precise weighting of mentions based on media prestige and thematic relevance, allowing for an evaluation of the true reach of dissemination efforts.
  • Cultural affinity analysis: Identification of regional and linguistic patterns that influence the permeability of science within society.
  • Reputational risk management: Integration of visibility metrics with scientific integrity indicators, offering a holistic view of institutional positioning.

This platform is intended not merely as an academic exercise, but as a strategic management tool for communication and research departments. It allows for the analysis of how science filters into society, providing an algorithmic proxy for the social impact of university activity.

To delve deeper into this methodology, you can watch Dr. Félix de Moya-Anegón’s full presentation at the 16th International Congress on Scientific Journals here:

Presentation in spanish