A Multi-Level Analysis of World Scientific Output in Pharmacology

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to analyse international research in "pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics" (hereafter pharmacology) on the basis of the scientific papers listed in the Scopus multidisciplinary database. This primary objective is reached by answering the following questions (in the section on results). What weight does the subject area "pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics" carry in world-wide science? What is the percentage contribution made by the various regions of the world to the subject area "pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics?" Can certain regions be identified as leaders on that basis, as in other scientific contexts? Are emerging countries present in the field? Do the most productive countries also publish the largest number of journals? What features characterise the scientific output of companies that publish pharmacological papers?