Nature Protocols

Scope & Guideline

Catalyzing Advances in Molecular Biology

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Nature Protocols with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1754-2189
PublisherNATURE PORTFOLIO
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2006 to 2024
AbbreviationNAT PROTOC / Nat. Protoc.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressHEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, BERLIN 14197, GERMANY

Aims and Scopes

Nature Protocols is a leading journal focused on publishing detailed methodologies and protocols that are essential for advancing scientific research across various disciplines. The journal aims to provide researchers with practical and reproducible techniques that can be applied in experimental settings, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and reliability of scientific findings.
  1. Methodological Innovations:
    The journal emphasizes the publication of novel experimental techniques and methodologies that provide researchers with new tools to advance their work.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Nature Protocols promotes protocols that span multiple fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and bioengineering, reflecting the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research.
  3. Focus on Reproducibility:
    A core aim of the journal is to enhance reproducibility in research by providing comprehensive, step-by-step protocols that can be easily followed by other researchers.
  4. Application-Driven Research:
    The protocols published are often grounded in practical applications, addressing real-world problems in biology, medicine, and biotechnology.
  5. Community Engagement:
    Nature Protocols encourages contributions from the scientific community, fostering collaboration and sharing of knowledge among researchers worldwide.
Nature Protocols is at the forefront of capturing the latest trends and emerging themes in scientific methodologies. This section outlines the current areas of increasing focus, showcasing the journal's responsiveness to the evolving needs of the research community.
  1. CRISPR and Genome Editing:
    Protocols related to CRISPR technology and genome editing are rapidly gaining traction, reflecting the growing interest in genetic manipulation for research and therapeutic applications.
  2. Single-Cell Analysis Techniques:
    There is a significant increase in protocols focusing on single-cell analysis, including single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, driven by the desire to understand cellular heterogeneity and complexity.
  3. Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies:
    The rise of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies is evident, with many protocols emphasizing their applications in high-throughput screening, diagnostics, and precision medicine.
  4. Organoid Models:
    Emerging protocols for the generation and application of organoids highlight a trend towards more physiologically relevant models that better represent human tissues and diseases.
  5. Data Integration and Bioinformatics:
    There is an increasing focus on protocols that integrate data from various sources, including multi-omics approaches, driven by the need to analyze complex biological systems comprehensively.

Declining or Waning

In the evolving landscape of scientific research, certain themes and methodologies within Nature Protocols have seen a decline in prominence. This section highlights these waning scopes, reflecting changing research priorities and interests within the scientific community.
  1. Traditional Methods:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in the publication of protocols detailing traditional laboratory techniques, such as basic cell culture or simple biochemical assays, as researchers increasingly seek innovative and advanced methodologies.
  2. Single-Use Protocols:
    Protocols that are specific to single-use applications or limited experimental scopes are becoming less frequent, as there is a push for more versatile and reusable methodologies that can be applied across different experiments.
  3. Focus on Well-Characterized Models:
    Research that relies solely on well-characterized, established models (such as certain animal models) is declining as the field shifts towards more complex, physiologically relevant systems that better mimic human biology.
  4. Basic Analytical Techniques:
    The focus on basic analytical techniques, such as simple spectroscopic methods, has waned in favor of more sophisticated, high-throughput, and automated approaches that provide greater sensitivity and throughput.

Similar Journals

Nature Communications

Empowering Innovative Research Across Disciplines
Publisher: NATURE PORTFOLIOISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

Nature Communications is a premier open-access journal published by NATURE PORTFOLIO, distinguished for its broad scope encompassing Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and Astronomy. With a remarkable impact factor, this journal has achieved Q1 status in multiple disciplines, reflecting its pivotal role in disseminating high-quality research. Since its establishment, it has provided a vital platform for innovative and interdisciplinary studies, fostering collaboration among scientists worldwide. Situated in the United Kingdom, it has rapidly gained recognition, ranking 7th in Global Physics and Astronomy and Biochemistry, as well as 16th in Chemistry according to Scopus metrics. Accessible since 2015, Nature Communications facilitates the sharing of groundbreaking ideas, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery.

STAR Protocols

Unlocking New Frontiers in Scientific Protocols
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 2666-1667Frequency: 1 issue/year

STAR Protocols, published by Elsevier, is an esteemed open access journal that has been at the forefront of providing innovative experimental protocols since its inception in 2020. With a distinct focus on a range of scientific disciplines including Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Microbiology, and Neuroscience, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal holds a commendable status, reflected by its Q1 and Q2 rankings across various relevant categories, ensuring the dissemination of high-impact research methods and findings. With its open access format, STAR Protocols encourages a broad readership and facilitates the sharing of pivotal knowledge in the scientific community, driving forward the culture of transparency and collaboration in research. Positioned in the vibrant academic landscape of the United States, it steadily contributes to the evolution of experimental methodologies, fostering innovation across disciplines.

Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences

Cultivating Scientific Dialogue in Southeast Asia
Publisher: PENERBIT UTM PRESSISSN: 2289-5981Frequency: 4 issues/year

Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, published by PENERBIT UTM PRESS, serves as a pivotal platform for the dissemination of interdisciplinary research across various fields including Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. With an ISSN of 2289-5981 and E-ISSN of 2289-599X, this journal focuses on presenting innovative studies that address fundamental and applied aspects of scientific inquiry relevant to the Southeast Asian region and beyond. Although categorized in Q4 across several fields according to the 2023 rankings, it remains committed to fostering a collaborative academic environment, encouraging contributions that connect theoretical frameworks with practical applications. As a journal that bridges gaps in knowledge and encourages dialogue among researchers and practitioners, it plays a crucial role in shaping the academic landscape of Malaysia and contributing to global scientific discourse. For researchers looking to publish groundbreaking studies within these diverse areas, the journal offers a responsive review process, albeit lacking open-access, ensuring that quality research reaches an audience keen on advancing the frontiers of science.

Jove-Journal of Visualized Experiments

Advancing Research Clarity with Every Experiment
Publisher: JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTSISSN: 1940-087XFrequency: 12 issues/year

Jove - Journal of Visualized Experiments, with ISSN 1940-087X, is a pioneering journal dedicated to publishing high-quality visualized research across a diverse array of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemical engineering, immunology, microbiology, and neuroscience. Established in 2006 and published by the Journal of Visualized Experiments, this journal plays a crucial role in advancing research methodologies by allowing scientists to share their experimental procedures through visual means, thereby enhancing reproducibility and accessibility. With a Q2 classification in Chemical Engineering and several Q3 rankings in related fields as of 2023, Jove serves as a vital resource for researchers looking to disseminate complex experimental techniques clearly and effectively. Although the journal operates under traditional access models, it is committed to fostering an open exchange of knowledge, making it invaluable for students, professionals, and researchers eager to stay at the forefront of scientific innovation.

Laboratory Animal Research

Connecting minds to enhance animal research outcomes.
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 1738-6055Frequency: 1 issue/year

Laboratory Animal Research is a prominent academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of laboratory animal science, providing a platform for researchers, professionals, and students focused on biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Published by SPRINGERNATURE, this journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to high-quality research, achieving a notable Q2 ranking in the Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology category as of 2023. Since becoming an Open Access journal in 2015, Laboratory Animal Research has fostered greater accessibility and dissemination of research findings, encouraging collaboration and innovation within the scientific community. With its ISSN 1738-6055 and E-ISSN 2233-7660, the journal is based in the United Kingdom and resides at CAMPUS, 4 Crinan St, London, N1 9XW, England. It is an essential resource for anyone involved in laboratory animal research and strives to enhance the welfare and scientific use of animals in research settings.

PLOS BIOLOGY

Bridging Disciplines, Inspiring Discoveries
Publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCEISSN: 1544-9173Frequency: 12 issues/year

PLOS BIOLOGY, published by PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE, is a leading open-access journal that has been at the forefront of biological research since its inception in 2003. This high-impact journal (with an impressive Scopus ranking placing it in the top 10% across multiple biological disciplines) aims to disseminate groundbreaking research findings in a variety of fields, including Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Neuroscience. With a commitment to open-access principles, PLOS BIOLOGY ensures that its content is freely available to a global audience, fostering collaboration and innovation among researchers, professionals, and students worldwide. Its Q1 quartile status in 2023 highlights the journal's prestigious standing within the academic community, making it an essential resource for those seeking to stay updated with the latest advancements in biological sciences. The journal's scope extends from 2003 to 2024, reflecting its sustained relevance and impact in driving forward biological discoveries.

NATURE

Exploring the Frontiers of Multidisciplinary Science
Publisher: NATURE PORTFOLIOISSN: 0028-0836Frequency: 51 issues/year

NATURE, published by NATURE PORTFOLIO, stands as a premier academic journal in the field of multidisciplinary sciences, and has consistently ranked number one in its category, reflecting its influence and prestige with an impressive 99th percentile position among 171 journals in the Scopus rankings. With an illustrious history dating back to 1869, this journal serves as a critical platform for disseminating pioneering research and groundbreaking discoveries across a myriad of disciplines. While it maintains a traditional publishing model, NATURE's significance is underscored by its high impact factor, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements. The journal's headquarters are located in Berlin, Germany, and it continues to shape the scientific dialogue globally.

Scientific Reports

Transforming Ideas into Impactful Scientific Reports.
Publisher: NATURE PORTFOLIOISSN: 2045-2322Frequency: 1 issue/year

Scientific Reports, published by the esteemed NATURE PORTFOLIO, is a prominent multidisciplinary journal that has been making significant strides in scientific communication since its inception in 2011. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 category of multidisciplinary journals, it holds a respected position, placing it at #14 out of 171 according to Scopus rankings, reflecting its high citation rates and robust academic contributions in the 92nd percentile. The journal operates under an Open Access model, enabling broad dissemination of research findings and advancing scientific knowledge globally. Based in the United Kingdom, with offices in Germany, Scientific Reports is committed to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research across diverse fields, catering to the needs of researchers, professionals, and students alike, fostering collaboration and innovation in the scientific community.

Cold Spring Harbor Molecular Case Studies

Driving innovation through rigorous research and discovery.
Publisher: COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB PRESS, PUBLICATIONS DEPTISSN: 2373-2873Frequency: 6 issues/year

Cold Spring Harbor Molecular Case Studies is a prestigious journal published by COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB PRESS, PUBLICATIONS DEPT, that has garnered considerable attention in the fields of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Medicine. With a focus on the intersection of molecular biology and clinical case studies, this journal serves as a key resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to explore novel insights into genetic disorders and biomedical advances. Its impact is underscored by its categorization in Q2 in various disciplines in 2023, reflecting its significance and influence within the academic community. Although currently not labeled as Open Access, Cold Spring Harbor Molecular Case Studies provides a rigorous platform for disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research that drives innovation and enhances understanding in these rapidly evolving fields. As a supporter of advancing scientific knowledge, this journal is essential for those dedicated to the exploration of molecular mechanisms and their clinical implications.

Nature Reviews Methods Primers

Advancing biomedical research with essential methodological insights.
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: Frequency:

Nature Reviews Methods Primers, published by SpringerNature, stands as a pivotal resource in the fields of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and medicine, boasting an impressive impact factor indicative of its scholarly influence. This open-access journal, launched in 2021, aims to disseminate comprehensive, accessible overviews of innovative methodologies that can transform scientific research and clinical practices. With a remarkable Scopus rank of #7 out of 636 in General Medicine and a stellar #3 out of 221 in General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, it resides in the esteemed Q1 Quartile category for its contributions to academia. Researchers, professionals, and students will find Nature Reviews Methods Primers to be an invaluable tool as it bridges the gap between methodology and practical application, enabling advancement in a variety of biomedical fields.