Nature Biotechnology

Nature Biotechnology
Title	Nature Biotechnology
Former names	Bio/Technology
Abbreviation	Nat. Biotechnol.
Discipline	Biotechnology
Editor	Andrew Marshall
Publisher	Nature Portfolio
Country	United Kingdom
History	1983–present
Frequency	Monthly
Openaccess	Hybrid
Impact	54.908 (2022)
Website	https://www.nature.com/nbt/
ISSN	1087-0156
EISSN	1546-1696
CODEN	NABIF9

Nature Biotechnology is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Nature Portfolio, a division of Springer Nature. It covers the commercial application of scientific research in molecular biology and cell biology, with a focus on the development of new technologies and products. The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, news, and commentary on topics ranging from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to industrial biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Overview

The journal serves as a primary forum for research at the intersection of biology and technology, emphasizing work with clear commercial or practical implications. Its scope includes the development of novel therapeutics, diagnostic tools, agricultural products, and biomaterials, as well as advances in enabling technologies like genome editing, synthetic biology, and omics platforms. Published by Nature Portfolio, it maintains the high editorial standards associated with the ''Nature'' family of journals, employing a rigorous peer-review process managed by a team of professional editors with expertise in fields such as immunology, neuroscience, and chemical biology. The journal's content is aimed at an interdisciplinary audience of researchers, business leaders, and policymakers in academia, industry, and government.

History and background

The journal was established in 1983 under the title Bio/Technology by the Macmillan subsidiary Nature Publishing Group. Its founding reflected the burgeoning commercial interest in the nascent biotechnology industry, fueled by breakthroughs like recombinant DNA technology and the development of monoclonal antibodies. In 1996, the publication was renamed Nature Biotechnology to align more closely with the prestigious ''Nature'' brand and to underscore its focus on the application of biological research. Key figures in its editorial leadership have included John Hodgson and, since 2001, Andrew Marshall, who have guided the journal's response to transformative periods such as the completion of the Human Genome Project and the rise of CRISPR-based technologies.

Impact and influence

With a 2022 impact factor of 54.908, it is consistently ranked among the most influential journals in its field, shaping both scientific discourse and commercial development. Papers published in the journal have reported foundational advances, including early methods for RNA interference, key improvements in next-generation sequencing, and pivotal studies on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. Its news and analysis sections are widely read for insights on intellectual property, regulatory affairs, and venture capital trends within the biopharmaceutical sector. The journal's influence extends to policy debates, having featured commentary on issues like gene drive regulation, biosafety, and the ethical implications of human germline editing.

Key research areas

Primary research areas include therapeutic biotechnology, featuring work on biologics, gene therapy, cell therapy, and vaccine development. A major focus is on genomics and proteomics, encompassing studies on single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and protein engineering using platforms like AlphaFold. The journal also highlights advances in agricultural biotechnology, such as genetically modified crops and sustainable production systems, and in industrial biotechnology, including biofuel production and enzyme engineering. Enabling methodologies in synthetic biology, microfluidics, biosensor design, and machine learning applications for drug discovery are regularly featured.

Editorial processes and policies

The journal employs a confidential peer-review process overseen by a full-time editorial team based in locations like London, New York City, and Shanghai. Editors actively commission content and make editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts based on assessments of technical rigor, novelty, and potential impact from referees who are experts in fields like structural biology or clinical trial design. Nature Biotechnology adheres to the publishing policies of Springer Nature, which cover research integrity, data availability, and competing interests. It offers both subscription-based and open access publishing options, including via agreements like Project DEAL and cOAlition S initiatives such as Plan S.

Related publications and initiatives

It is part of the larger Nature Portfolio, which includes related journals such as Nature Methods, Nature Biomedical Engineering, and Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. The publisher also hosts the Nature Conferences series and online platforms like Nature Briefing, which often feature biotechnology content. While distinct, the journal's commercial and translational focus complements the more basic research orientation of ''Science'' and ''Cell'', and the specialized applied research found in publications like Biotechnology and Bioengineering and ACS Synthetic Biology.

Category:Nature Research journals Category:Biotechnology journals Category:English-language journals Category:Monthly journals Category:Publications established in 1983