Citations and Impact Factor

Nature is the world's most highly cited interdisciplinary science journal, according to the 2009 Journal Citation Report Science Edition (Thomson, 2010). Its Impact Factor is 34.480. The impact factor of a journal is calculated by dividing the number of citations in a calendar year to the source items published in that journal during the previous two years. It is an independent measure calculated by Thomson Reuters, Philadelphia, USA.

Aims and scope

Nature is a weekly international journal publishing the finest peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions. Nature also provides rapid, authoritative, insightful and arresting news and interpretation of topical and coming trends affecting science, scientists and the wider public.

Nature's mission statement

First, to serve scientists through prompt publication of significant advances in any branch of science, and to provide a forum for the reporting and discussion of news and issues concerning science. Second, to ensure that the results of science are rapidly disseminated to the public throughout the world, in a fashion that conveys their significance for knowledge, culture and daily life.

Nature's original mission statement was published for the first time on 11 November 1869.

History of the Journal Nature

History of the Journal Nature has specially commissioned essays and videos, and timelines and an interactive forum, bringing to life the science published in Nature since 1869.

Sample issue

Free online access to the 23 December 2010 issue of Nature.

Contact the journal

Provides contact details for editorial, subscription, librarian and advertising departments.

About the editors

Like the other Nature titles, Nature has no external editorial board. Instead, all editorial decisions are made by a team of full-time professional editors. Information about the scientific background of the editors may be found here.

A full list of journal staff appears on the masthead.

Nature Awards

Nature currently supports two awards. The Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science are run by Nature, and recognise key scientists who have made outstanding contributions to mentoring younger scientists. In addition, Nature supports the Eppendorf Young European Investigator Award, which is given annually to a young scientist who is chosen by an independent scientific panel.