The NSS’s science mission is alive and well – booming, in fact. The Journal of Cave and Karst Studies has markedly increased its so-called Impact Factor, according to The Journal of Citation Reports. JCR is the recognized barometer for a scientific publication’s reach.
JCKS now has an Impact Factor = 1.277 and a 5-year Impact Factor = 1.318. Both figures are quite good for a parochial journal such as JCKS. Our 2013 listings in JCR were 0.696 and 1.019, respectively.
A detailed breakdown of the statistics behind the JCKS listing is available on the NSS website under JCKS. Kudos to Malcolm Field and Scott Engle for doing a great job.
Remember, NSS is more than exploration and recreational caving. Science, which thrives on publication of scholarly findings, is the third leg of the tripod that supports the Society’s mission. And it is thriving!