The scientific evaluation of the construction and development of university disciplines is an important part and a key challenge in China’s “Double First-Class” initiative. Based on the ESI and InCites databases, this study conducted a year-long observation and analysis of the disciplines at universities in Jiangsu Province under the “Double First-Class” framework. The research focused on the development trends of potential and emerging disciplines, while exploring the influence of traditional predominant disciplines on the growth of these emerging fields and the pathways through which such influence might occur. The study aims to provide some reference and insights for the development of disciplines in the universities in Jiangsu. The findings reveal that, overall, the discipline development maturity of the universities is high, with a positive growth trend and significant development potential in certain fields, which are strongly supported by the traditional predominant disciplines. However, an imbalance in the development across various discipline categories has also been observed. Looking ahead, universities are encouraged to capitalize on their unique academic strengths to foster collaborative development, emphasize the growth of social science disciplines, promote interdisciplinary integration, and cultivate high-level talent for society. This approach will better facilitate the establishment of high-level universities and contribute to the realization of the goal of building a strong educational nation.

This study aimed to analyze research hotspots as well as domestic and international collaboration trends in the field of pharmacology and toxicology in China. Articles published in this field between 2005 and 2024 by Chinese researchers were retrieved and analyzed using citation analysis and descriptive statistical methods. The results indicate that over the past two decades, China’s level of international collaboration in this field has been continuously improving. China cooperates most closely with the United States, while its collaboration with other countries remains relatively limited. However, China’s cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative((BRI) partner countries has gradually deepened. The influence of Chinese publications in pharmacology and toxicology over the past 20 years is comparable to the global average. Papers resulting from international collaboration exceed the global average in terms of the impact, whereas those based solely on domestic collaboration still have significant room for improvement. It is recommended that China adhere to the principle of “coordinating well for comprehensive advancement” in international cooperation, strengthen collaborative relationships with various countries, and uphold the ‘self-directed’ approach to enhance the global influence of the discipline. Furthermore, optimizing the layout of international research collaboration networks, promoting innovation in research models, and leveraging the advantages of a diversified funding system are essential to overcome existing spatial and technological limitations.