JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Celebrating the Legacy of Biological Thought

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
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.

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