Nature (journal)

Nature (journal)
Title	Nature
Editor	Magdalena Skipper
Discipline	Multidisciplinary science
Publisher	Nature Portfolio
Country	United Kingdom
History	1869–present
Frequency	Weekly
Impact year	2022
Impact	64.8
ISSN	0028-0836
EISSN	1476-4687
Website	www.nature.com/nature/
CODEN	NATUAS

Nature (journal). A premier international weekly scientific journal, first published in 1869. It covers all fields of science and technology, providing a forum for significant, original research and timely news and interpretation. Owned by Springer Nature, it is one of the world's most cited and recognizable academic publications, with a profound influence on both the scientific community and public discourse.

History and founding

The journal was founded in London in November 1869 by Norman Lockyer, an astronomer, and Alexander Macmillan, of the publishing house Macmillan Publishers. Its creation was inspired by the influential German journal ''Scientific American'' and aimed to provide a platform for scientists to share discoveries with both peers and an educated public. Early issues featured contributions from pivotal figures like Thomas Henry Huxley and reported on major debates, including those surrounding Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it published groundbreaking papers from scientists such as Ernest Rutherford and Wilhelm Röntgen. The journal's editorial independence and commitment to scientific rigor were established under early editors like Sir Richard Gregory.

Scope and content

The journal publishes original research across the natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, and the Earth sciences. Each issue typically contains several primary research Articles and Letters, which are brief reports of particularly significant findings. It also features authoritative review articles, news sections like News & Views, and commentary on science policy, business, and broader cultural issues. While the core focus remains on fundamental research, its content regularly intersects with applied fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology. The journal's broad scope is designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and highlight connections between different scientific disciplines.

Editorial policies and impact

The journal employs a rigorous peer-review process, managed by a team of professional editors with scientific backgrounds. It maintains a strict policy on authorship criteria, data availability, and competing interests to uphold research integrity. Its editorial stance advocates for robust research practices, open science where feasible, and the importance of science in addressing global challenges like climate change and public health. The journal's impact factor, a measure of how often its papers are cited, consistently ranks among the highest of any multidisciplinary journal, reflecting its widespread influence within the academic literature. It has also been central to debates on publishing ethics, including responses to cases of scientific fraud and research misconduct.

Notable articles and discoveries

The journal has published numerous seminal papers that have shaped modern science. In 1953, it published the landmark paper by James Watson and Francis Crick describing the double-helix structure of DNA, accompanied by supporting data from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Other historic publications include the discovery of the neutron by James Chadwick, the first report on the ozone hole over Antarctica by Joseph Farman, and the initial sequencing of the human genome by the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium. More recently, it has featured major advances in CRISPR gene editing, gravitational wave detection by LIGO, and research into exoplanets and mRNA vaccine technology.

Influence and reception

The journal is regarded as one of the most prestigious outlets for scientific publication, and acceptance of a paper is often considered a major career achievement for researchers. Its news and analysis sections are widely read by scientists, policymakers, and journalists, making it a powerful agenda-setter for science news globally. The journal's influence extends into policy circles, with its editorials frequently cited in discussions at institutions like the United Nations and the World Health Organization. It has also faced criticism, including debates over its high rejection rate, the perceived hype around certain publications, and its role in the competitive "publish or perish" culture of academia. Despite this, its brand remains synonymous with scientific excellence.

Business aspects and publishing model

The journal is the flagship publication of Nature Portfolio, a division of the global academic publishing conglomerate Springer Nature. While historically a subscription-based journal, it has adopted various hybrid open-access models in response to the broader movement towards open access publishing. Its business operations include hosting prestigious conferences, offering career resources, and managing a portfolio of over 50 specialized sister journals, such as Nature Genetics and Nature Physics. The financial success of the journal and its associated brands is significant within the scholarly publishing industry, contributing to the revenues of its parent company, which is jointly owned by Holtzbrinck Publishing Group and BC Partners.

Category:Multidisciplinary scientific journals Category:Publications established in 1869 Category:Academic journals published in the United Kingdom