Level 2 can be awarded to leading scientific publication channels of the various disciplines that meet the following criteria:

• Has a wide reach and high respect among international experts in the field;

• Researchers from different countries seek to publish their best results;

• Editors, authors and readers represent various nationalities.

Not all publication channels meeting these criteria can be rated as Level 2, but the panels must choose, within their own Level 2 quota, the publication channels attracting and selecting the highest quality publications as a consequence of extensive competition and demanding peer reviews. Finnish channels aimed at international audiences are evaluated in relation to other international publication channels.