Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at mapping the scientific structure of Iran biology as appeared in Science Citation Index (SCI) during 1990 to 2008 via Co-citation Analysis method.
Method: 50 authors who were the most cited in 2121 articles which at least Iran was mentioned in their affiliation, were examined using factor analysis method and mapping techniques.
Findings: The results showed Iranian scientific outputs in biology followed a high growth rate equal to 29.8. Factor analysis showed 11 Factors and scientific mapping revealed that there were 8 clusters in Iran Biology including: Pharmacology and clinical pharmacology, immunology, biology, physics, evolutionary biology, applied biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and cell biology.
Conclusion: 1. In Iran, the area of “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” are more considered by researchers than other areas; 2. The Iranian researchers of Biology have a medium position in the scientific map of this branch of knowledge.