JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Roots of Biological Discovery

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0022-5010
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1968 to 2024
AbbreviationJ HIST BIOL / J. Hist. Biol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressVAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of the History of Biology focuses on the rich interplay between biological knowledge and historical context, encapsulating a wide array of themes that explore the evolution of biological thought, practices, and institutions over time.
  1. Historical Analysis of Biological Concepts:
    The journal publishes articles that examine the historical development of key biological ideas, theories, and practices, tracing their evolution from past to present.
  2. Integration of Social and Cultural Contexts:
    It emphasizes the significance of social, cultural, and political factors in shaping biological knowledge, exploring how these contexts influence scientific discourse and practice.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary research, welcoming contributions from fields such as history, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology to enrich the understanding of biological history.
  4. Focus on Notable Figures and Movements:
    A core area of the journal involves detailed studies of influential scientists, movements, and the impact of their ideas on biology and society.
  5. Impact of Technology on Biological Research:
    The journal explores how technological advancements have transformed biological research methodologies and the implications of these changes for scientific inquiry.
Recent publications in the Journal of the History of Biology reveal emerging trends that reflect the evolving landscape of biological research and its historical narratives. These trends indicate a growing interest in contemporary issues and interdisciplinary connections.
  1. Intersections of Biology and Society:
    There is an increasing focus on the relationship between biological research and societal issues, such as public health, ethics, and environmental concerns, highlighting the relevance of biology in contemporary societal contexts.
  2. Revisiting Historical Figures and Their Impact:
    Recent publications show a trend towards revisiting historical figures in biology, analyzing their contributions and how they shaped modern scientific thought and practice.
  3. Cultural and Political Dimensions of Biological Sciences:
    Emerging themes include the exploration of how cultural and political factors influence biological sciences, particularly in areas like race, gender, and colonialism.
  4. Technological Advances and Their Historical Context:
    There is a rising interest in how technological advancements, such as CRISPR and molecular biology techniques, are contextualized within historical narratives, reflecting on their implications for the future of biology.
  5. Global Perspectives in Biological History:
    The journal is increasingly publishing works that provide global perspectives on biological history, emphasizing non-Western contributions and the interconnectedness of biological sciences across cultures.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of the History of Biology has consistently covered a broad spectrum of topics, certain themes appear to be losing traction in recent publications. This decline suggests a shift in focus towards more contemporary issues and methodologies.
  1. Classical Taxonomy and Systematics:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in articles specifically dedicated to classical taxonomy and systematics, possibly indicating a move towards more modern genetic and molecular approaches.
  2. Historical Biogeography:
    Research focusing on historical biogeography appears to be waning, as newer studies emphasize ecological and evolutionary dynamics over historical distributions.
  3. Philosophical Foundations of Biology:
    The exploration of philosophical concepts underpinning biology has seen a decline, likely due to a growing preference for empirical and historical analyses over theoretical discussions.
  4. Pre-Darwinian Evolutionary Theories:
    Interest in pre-Darwinian evolutionary theories has diminished, with fewer articles addressing this area as the focus shifts towards post-Darwinian developments and contemporary evolutionary biology.
  5. Natural History Collections:
    Although still relevant, there has been a decrease in the number of papers centered around the history and significance of natural history collections, reflecting a broader trend towards more applied biological research.

Similar Journals

Scientia et Fides

Illuminating Complex Questions through Rigorous Scholarship
Publisher: NICOLAUS COPERNICUS UNIVISSN: 2300-7648Frequency: 2 issues/year

Scientia et Fides is a leading journal published by Nicolaus Copernicus University that serves as a crucial platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Philosophy and Religious Studies. With an impressive impact factor and a top-tier ranking, this open-access journal, available since 2013, ensures that groundbreaking research is freely accessible to a global audience, promoting collaboration and engagement among researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal is highly recognized, holding a Q1 category status in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, and ranks in the 93rd and 84th percentiles respectively, showcasing its significant contribution to the arts and humanities. By publishing rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that explore complex philosophical questions and religious phenomena, Scientia et Fides not only enriches academic scholarship but also invites wider discussions on the intersection of faith and reason. It thrives as a repository of knowledge and innovation, shaping future research trajectories in its respective fields.

ANNALS OF SCIENCE

Delving Deep into the Roots of Scientific Inquiry
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0003-3790Frequency: 4 issues/year

ANNALS OF SCIENCE, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a pivotal journal in the field of the History and Philosophy of Science, as evidenced by its Q3 categorization and a respectable Scopus rank of 99 out of 223, placing it in the 55th percentile among its peers. With a rich history dating back to its initial publication in 1936, the journal has made significant contributions to scholarly discourse, providing a platform for researchers and academics to explore the intricate connections between scientific developments and philosophical inquiries. The journal's commitment to rigorous academic research ensures that it remains a vital resource for professionals, educators, and students dedicated to understanding the evolution of scientific thought. Although it operates under traditional subscription models, the journal's importance in shaping modern scientific discussions cannot be overstated, making it an essential read for those engaged in the multifaceted study of science's history and philosophical implications.

CENTAURUS

Navigating the Rich Tapestry of Science and Philosophy
Publisher: BREPOLS PUBLISSN: 0008-8994Frequency: 4 issues/year

CENTAURUS is a prestigious journal dedicated to the History and Philosophy of Science, published by BREPOLS PUBL in the United States. With a storied history dating back to its inception in 1950, CENTAURUS has consistently provided a platform for critical engagement and scholarly discourse in the realm of scientific development and its philosophical implications. Recognized for its academic rigor, the journal holds a commendable Q2 ranking in the History and Philosophy of Science category for 2023, reflecting its substantial contribution to the field, as evidenced by its ranking in the top 11% of 223 journals in Scopus. Although it operates on a subscription-based model, the journal is a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking insightful analyses and discussions on the interplay between science and its philosophical dimensions. Published from Turnhout, Belgium, CENTAURUS continues to shape the landscape of scientific thought with its well-curated articles that examine over a decade's worth of scholarly contributions.

BIOESSAYS

Elevating Knowledge in the Life Sciences
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0265-9247Frequency: 12 issues/year

BIOESSAYS, published by WILEY, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the dynamic fields of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. With an impressive impact factor and recognized as a Q1 journal in its category for 2023, it ranks 49 out of 221 in the Scopus database, placing it within the 78th percentile among its peers. Since its inception in 1984, BIOESSAYS has served as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students, facilitating the dissemination of pivotal findings, innovative theories, and review articles that shape the current understanding of biological sciences. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains key for those seeking to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery and discussion within this ever-evolving discipline. With its commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed content, BIOESSAYS continues to influence future research directions and academic discourse.

PERSPECTIVES IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE

Bridging Disciplines, Shaping Futures
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0031-5982Frequency: 4 issues/year

PERSPECTIVES IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE, published by the esteemed Johns Hopkins University Press, has been a cornerstone of interdisciplinary dialogue since its inception in 1957. With a rich history spanning over six decades, this journal delves into the multifaceted interactions between biology and medicine, offering insights that are vital for health policy, ethics, and the philosophy of science. Recognized for its impact, it holds a Q2 ranking in the History and Philosophy of Science category and Q3 rankings in several other relevant fields as of 2023. While not an open-access publication, it provides critical analyses and discussions that are indispensable for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With its committed editorial team, PERSPECTIVES IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE continues to foster scholarly engagement and is poised to shape the future discourse in the biosciences.

Ambix

Delving into the Rich Tapestry of Chemical History
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0002-6980Frequency: 4 issues/year

Ambix, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a distinguished journal specializing in the fields of Chemistry and the History and Philosophy of Science. With an ISSN of 0002-6980 and an E-ISSN of 1745-8234, Ambix has been a pivotal platform for scholars since its inception in 1937, providing a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges empirical science with philosophical inquiry. The journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and maintains a solid impact within the academic community, reflected in its ranking in both the Q4 quartile for miscellaneous Chemistry and Q3 for History and Philosophy of Science. Despite not being an Open Access publication, it offers crucial insights for researchers and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the dynamics between scientific practices and philosophical thought. With articles spanning various eras and themes, Ambix remains an essential resource for those exploring the historical and conceptual dimensions of chemistry and the sciences more broadly. For further inquiries, the journal’s editorial office is based in the United Kingdom, specifically at 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RN, Oxon, England.

Bollettino di Storia delle Scienze Matematiche

Charting the Historical Landscape of Mathematical Ideas
Publisher: FABRIZIO SERRA EDITOREISSN: 0392-4432Frequency: 2 issues/year

Bollettino di Storia delle Scienze Matematiche, published by FABRIZIO SERRA EDITORE, stands as a vital platform for the exploration of the rich history and philosophical underpinnings of mathematical sciences. With its origins tracing back to 2003, this journal primarily serves as an interdisciplinary forum where historians, philosophers, and mathematicians converge, reflecting the complex interplay between mathematics and its historical context. Although classified within the Q4 quartile for both the History and Philosophy of Science and Mathematics categories in 2023, the journal continues to stimulate critical discourse and encourage new avenues of research that challenge traditional narratives. While it is not an open-access publication, it is recognized for its scholarly rigor and contributes essential insights to the academic community, particularly those engaged in the nuanced study of mathematical practices through time. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find valuable resources within its pages to inform their inquiries and broaden their understanding of the historical trajectory of mathematical thought.

Biological Theory

Advancing Understanding in Ecology and Evolution
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 1555-5542Frequency: 4 issues/year

Biological Theory is an esteemed academic journal published by Springernature, focusing on the interdisciplinary realms of ecology, evolution, behavior, and philosophy of science. With an ISSN of 1555-5542 and an E-ISSN of 1555-5550, the journal had its converged years from 2006 to 2011 and from 2013 to 2024, reflecting its commitment to ongoing scholarly dialogue. Notably, it holds a prestigious Q2 ranking in Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, and an impressive Q1 ranking in History and Philosophy of Science, highlighting its influential role in shaping discussions across these fields. The journal is well-received in the academic community, with Scopus rankings placing it in the 88th percentile for History and Philosophy of Science and the 59th percentile for Ecology, demonstrating its broad impact and relevance. Researchers, professionals, and students can access cutting-edge theories and critical analyses of biological concepts that contribute to a deeper understanding of life sciences without an open access model, further emphasizing the journal's significance in both historical and contemporary scientific discourse.

Spontaneous Generations-Journal for the History and Philosophy of Science

Exploring the Intersection of Science, History, and Philosophy
Publisher: INST HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYISSN: 1913-0465Frequency:

Spontaneous Generations: Journal for the History and Philosophy of Science is a dedicated publication focusing on the rich fields of history and philosophy within the scientific domain. Published by the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, this journal provides a vital platform for scholars, researchers, and students to explore and disseminate ideas that bridge the historical context and philosophical inquiries of scientific practices. With its commitment to open access, Spontaneous Generations ensures that groundbreaking research is widely available, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Aiming to engage a diverse audience, this journal is pivotal for those looking to understand the evolution of scientific thought and its implications on contemporary issues, making it an essential resource in the academic community.

Theoretical Biology Forum

Exploring Frontiers of Theoretical and Empirical Science
Publisher: FABRIZIO SERRA EDITOREISSN: 2282-2593Frequency: 2 issues/year

Theoretical Biology Forum, a notable journal in the realms of agricultural and biological sciences, is published by FABRIZIO SERRA EDITORE in Italy. This journal, which has evolved alongside scientific discourse since its inception in 1949, provides a platform for innovative research and discussions that intersect theoretical concepts and empirical findings within biology. With an increasing impact, as reflected by its 2023 rankings in Q3 and Q4 quartiles, it strives to bridge gaps in knowledge and facilitate interdisciplinary exchange among researchers in general biological and agricultural sciences. In an age where open access is paramount, Theoretical Biology Forum supports the dissemination of new ideas and breakthroughs without barriers, enhancing accessibility for professionals and students alike. By contributing to this forum, scholars can engage with diverse perspectives and advance their understanding within this critical field.