Over the past 30 years, our studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between journal article citations and peer esteem, and this is reflected in professional awards like the Nobel Prize.

Garfield's vision was ahead of its time. He saw the potential of citation searching for researchers, but it took 40 years for the technology to advance to the point that allowed his vision to be fully realized.

Citations are an acknowledgement of intellectual debt. Web of Science lets researchers instantly recognize works that are well regarded by their peers. That way, they know they are basing their work on quality research.

Citations are an acknowledgement of intellectual debt - a direct demonstration of influence in a given subject area. Researchers who have accumulated such credits from their peers are also often nominated for prizes and other honors, such as the Nobel Prize.

It's been slow, but it's there. It's noticeable when you compare it to a past generation.

I know no way of judging the future but by the past.