The Scientific Structure of Biology in Iran During 1990 - 2008: A Co-citations Analysis

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. 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. 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. 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.