Research Tools 02 — Scopus: Search Across Disciplines

Scopus is Elsevier’s abstract and citation database. It covers many research fields, so it is useful when an engineering problem connects several subjects.

Its content selection process considers peer review, publication ethics, and other standards. Coverage is reviewed over time. Always check whether a journal is currently covered.

Start with two ideas. For example, combine a material with an application: (graphene OR “carbon nanotube”) AND sensor. OR connects alternatives; AND requires both ideas. Check how the database handles phrases and search fields.

Use year and subject filters carefully. A narrow filter can hide useful work from another discipline. Save the query, filters, search date, and reasons for selecting papers.

Remember: Scopus and Web of Science have different coverage. Searching both can reveal additional papers. A database record does not always provide free full text.