PeerJ

Scope & Guideline

Bridging gaps in research with accessible scientific dialogue.

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of PeerJ through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore PeerJ in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2167-8359
PublisherPEERJ INC
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationPEERJ / PeerJ
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address341-345 OLD ST, THIRD FLR, LONDON EC1V 9LL, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

PeerJ is a multidisciplinary journal that emphasizes the publication of high-quality research across various fields, including biology, medicine, and environmental sciences. The journal aims to foster open access to scientific knowledge while maintaining rigorous peer review standards. The following points highlight the core areas and methodologies that define the journal's scope:
  1. Multidisciplinary Research:
    PeerJ publishes research across various disciplines, including biology, medicine, and environmental sciences, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  2. Open Access Publishing:
    The journal provides open access to all published articles, allowing broader dissemination of research findings and facilitating public access to scientific knowledge.
  3. Rigorous Peer Review:
    PeerJ employs a thorough peer review process to ensure the quality and integrity of the research published, enhancing the credibility of the findings.
  4. Focus on Methodological Rigor:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of robust methodologies, encouraging authors to provide detailed descriptions of experimental designs, statistical analyses, and data interpretation.
  5. Innovative Research Approaches:
    PeerJ welcomes novel research approaches and methodologies, fostering advancements in scientific inquiry and encouraging creativity in experimental design.
  6. Integration of Omics Technologies:
    The journal highlights studies that utilize omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to explore biological questions, reflecting the trend towards high-throughput data generation in research.
  7. Environmental and Ecological Studies:
    Research related to environmental science, ecology, and conservation is a significant focus, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
PeerJ has seen a shift in focus towards several emerging themes that reflect current trends in scientific research. The following points outline these trending and emerging scopes within the journal:
  1. Bioinformatics and Computational Biology:
    There is a growing trend towards the publication of studies that utilize bioinformatics and computational approaches to analyze biological data, reflecting the increasing importance of data science in biological research.
  2. Microbiome Research:
    Research exploring the human and environmental microbiomes is gaining traction, highlighting the role of microbial communities in health, ecology, and disease, and their implications for public health.
  3. Environmental and Climate Change Studies:
    The journal is increasingly publishing research that addresses environmental issues and the impacts of climate change, reflecting a broader societal concern for sustainability and ecological preservation.
  4. Translational and Clinical Research:
    There is a notable increase in translational research that bridges laboratory findings with clinical applications, particularly in areas related to cancer, infectious diseases, and public health.
  5. Application of Artificial Intelligence:
    Studies integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques into biological research are on the rise, demonstrating the journal's embrace of innovative technologies for data analysis and prediction.
  6. Focus on Health and Disease Mechanisms:
    Research delving into the mechanisms of diseases, particularly those related to metabolic disorders and cancers, is becoming more prevalent, reflecting an interest in understanding underlying biological processes.
  7. Plant and Agricultural Sciences:
    Research on plant biology, particularly relating to crop improvement, stress responses, and sustainable agricultural practices, is increasingly prominent in the journal, aligning with global food security challenges.

Declining or Waning

While PeerJ continues to thrive in various research areas, certain themes have shown a decline in frequency or prominence over recent years. The following points identify these waning scopes within the journal:
  1. Traditional Laboratory Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in publications focused solely on traditional laboratory-based studies without integrating fieldwork or real-world applications, as the journal increasingly favors research with broader ecological or clinical relevance.
  2. Descriptive Studies without Novel Insights:
    Research articles that provide only descriptive analyses without contributing new insights or advancements in methodologies are becoming less common, as the journal emphasizes innovative and impactful research.
  3. Limited Focus on Localized Studies:
    Studies that solely focus on localized ecosystems or populations without addressing broader implications or contexts are less frequently published, indicating a shift towards more globally relevant research.
  4. Reduction in Non-Quantitative Research:
    There has been a decline in qualitative research or studies lacking quantitative measures, as the journal continues to prioritize data-driven approaches that provide measurable outcomes.

Similar Journals

Science Editing

Fostering Integrity in Research Dissemination
Publisher: KOREAN COUNCIL SCIENCE EDITORSISSN: 2288-7474Frequency: 2 issues/year

Science Editing is a pioneering open-access journal published by the Korean Council Science Editors, dedicated to the evolving field of scientific communication and publication ethics. Since its inception in 2014, this journal has played a crucial role in improving the standards of research dissemination, addressing the complexities of manuscript editing, peer review, and publication processes. With an impactful presence, it is currently positioned in Q2 for Communication and Q3 for Health Informatics in 2023, highlighting its significant contributions to these disciplines. The journal's Scopus rankings—#146 in Communication and #88 in Health Informatics—illustrate its global recognition and influence. Based in South Korea, it aims to engage a diverse readership that includes researchers, professionals, and students, fostering a collaborative dialogue to enhance the quality and integrity of scientific editing. This journal is poised to continue its trajectory of excellence as it converges its efforts toward 2024 and beyond.

JMIR Research Protocols

Empowering innovation in medical research protocols.
Publisher: JMIR PUBLICATIONS, INCISSN: 1929-0748Frequency: 1 issue/year

JMIR Research Protocols, published by JMIR PUBLICATIONS, INC, is a leading open-access journal that has been at the forefront of advancing research methodologies since its inception in 2012. With its ISSN 1929-0748, this journal is dedicated to providing a platform for the publication of innovative study protocols in the field of medicine, ensuring rigorous peer review and promoting transparency in research practices. Based in Canada, the journal has steadily gained recognition, currently holding a prominent position in the Q3 category of Medicine (Miscellaneous), with an impressive Scopus rank of #211 out of 636, placing it in the 66th percentile of its field. Researchers and professionals will find that JMIR Research Protocols not only supports the open sharing of knowledge but also enhances collaboration among the scientific community. Its open-access policy ensures broader dissemination of research findings, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of medical research methodologies.

Science China-Life Sciences

Advancing life sciences through groundbreaking research.
Publisher: SCIENCE PRESSISSN: 1674-7305Frequency: 12 issues/year

Science China-Life Sciences, published by SCIENCE PRESS, is a premier academic journal that stands at the forefront of innovative research and discoveries in the fields of life sciences, spanning crucial areas such as agricultural and biological sciences, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and environmental science. With an impressive Q1 ranking in its respective categories—ranked #5 in Agricultural and Biological Sciences, #7 in Environmental Science, and #17 in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology—this journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and significant impact within the scientific community, as reflected in its high percentiles (97th and 92nd). Maintained as an Open Access publication, it ensures broad dissemination and accessibility of research findings, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, professionals, and students alike. Given its position in the research landscape and its commitment to high-quality scholarship, Science China-Life Sciences plays a vital role in advancing life sciences research, supporting scientists in addressing global challenges through innovative biological solutions.

Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences

Exploring New Frontiers in Fundamental Sciences
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.

Science Diliman

Catalyzing Scientific Discourse in the Philippines
Publisher: UNIV PHILIPPINES DILIMANISSN: 0115-7809Frequency: 2 issues/year

Science Diliman is a distinguished open access academic journal published by the University of the Philippines Diliman, focusing on a wide array of scientific disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Established in 1980, this journal has embraced the principles of open access publishing, providing researchers and the academic community with free and unrestricted access to its high-quality articles. With a commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual discourse, Science Diliman serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and groundbreaking research findings. By maintaining high editorial standards and engaging with contemporary issues, this journal plays an essential role in shaping the scientific landscape in the Philippines and beyond. For more information, visit the journal's website to explore its latest publications and contributions to the scientific community.

Translational Research

Transforming Science into Health Solutions
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INCISSN: 1931-5244Frequency: 12 issues/year

Translational Research, published by Elsevier Science Inc, stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving fields of biochemistry, medicine, physiology, and public health. With an impressive 2023 Q1 ranking in these categories, this journal has established itself as a critical platform for disseminating innovative research that bridges the gap between laboratory findings and clinical application. The journal, which has been converging knowledge since 2006, is committed to advancing scientific understanding and improving health outcomes by publishing high-quality articles that reflect rigorous peer review and impactful findings. With its impressive Scopus rankings, including a rank of #5 in Biochemistry and #7 in Physiology, it is an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to the translation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world health solutions. Transitioning to an open-access model, the journal enhances accessibility and engagement, inviting a global audience to participate in the discourse shaping the future of healthcare and disease management.

STAR Protocols

Transforming Ideas into Actionable 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.

Iranian Journal of Science and Technology Transaction A-Science

Fostering Collaboration Through Open Access Scholarship.
Publisher: SPRINGER INT PUBL AGISSN: 1028-6276Frequency: 4 issues/year

Iranian Journal of Science and Technology Transaction A-Science, published by SPRINGER INT PUBL AG in Switzerland, stands as a significant platform for the dissemination of innovative research across a multitude of disciplines, including Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. With an established HIndex and a solid ranking in Scopus—featuring impressively in the 90th percentile for General Mathematics and maintaining strong positions in other scientific categories—the journal promotes high-caliber scholarly work that influences both academic and professional communities. This journal operates under an Open Access model, thus maximizing the accessibility of research findings while fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Aiming to bridge gaps in science and technology, the journal invites researchers, professionals, and students alike to contribute to its dynamic and evolving discourse, thus enhancing the rigor and richness of scientific exploration.

Revista Cientifica

Advancing interdisciplinary dialogue for a brighter scientific future.
Publisher: UNIV DISTRITAL FRANCISCO JOSE DE CALDAS, CENTRO INVEST & DESARROLLO CIENTISSN: 0124-2253Frequency: 3 issues/year

Revista Cientifica, published by UNIV DISTRITAL FRANCISCO JOSE DE CALDAS, CENTRO INVEST & DESARROLLO CIENT, is a premier academic journal that has been contributing significantly to the field of interdisciplinary research since its inception in 1999. With both ISSN 0124-2253 and E-ISSN 2344-8350, this open access journal is dedicated to disseminating high-quality research articles, reviews, and innovative insights across various scientific domains, making its contributions readily accessible to a global audience. Hosted in Bogotá, Colombia, the journal aims to support researchers, professionals, and students by providing a platform that fosters scientific dialogue and collaboration. Although specific metrics such as HIndex and Scopus rankings are not available, the journal's commitment to open access and scholarly excellence ensures that it plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and best practices within the scientific community.

Nature Communications

Transforming Ideas into Impactful Science
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.