SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE

Scope & Guideline

Bridging Disciplines, Empowering Knowledge

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 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
ISSN0038-2353
PublisherACAD SCIENCE SOUTH AFRICA - ASSAf
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1973 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J SCI / S. Afr. J. Sci.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 72135, LYNWOOD RIDGE 0040, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Science serves as a multidisciplinary platform that promotes the exchange of knowledge and advancements in scientific research relevant to South Africa and the broader African context. The journal covers various fields, emphasizing sustainability, social justice, and the integration of science with local knowledge systems.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal emphasizes research that spans multiple disciplines, reflecting the interconnected nature of scientific inquiry and societal challenges.
  2. Local Contextualization of Global Issues:
    Papers often explore global challenges, such as climate change and public health, through the lens of South African realities, ensuring relevance to local conditions.
  3. Sustainability and Environmental Science:
    A consistent focus on environmental issues, particularly those impacting South Africa, including biodiversity loss, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.
  4. Health and Societal Well-being:
    Research addressing public health challenges, healthcare delivery, and the socio-economic factors affecting health outcomes among South African populations.
  5. Policy and Governance:
    Exploration of the implications of scientific research on policy-making and governance, particularly in areas like water management, energy, and public health.
  6. Community Engagement and Indigenous Knowledge:
    A unique contribution of the journal is its emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge systems and community perspectives into scientific research.
Recent publications in the South African Journal of Science indicate a clear shift towards emerging themes that address current global and local challenges. These trends reflect the journal's responsiveness to societal needs and the evolving landscape of scientific inquiry.
  1. Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies:
    There is an increasing emphasis on research related to climate change, particularly studies focusing on adaptation strategies for communities and ecosystems in South Africa.
  2. Public Health and Pandemic Preparedness:
    The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a significant rise in research addressing public health issues, healthcare delivery systems, and preparedness for future health crises.
  3. Data Science and Technology in Research:
    Emerging themes include the utilization of big data, artificial intelligence, and digital tools to enhance research methodologies and address complex societal issues.
  4. Social Justice and Equity in Science:
    A growing number of publications focus on the intersection of science, social justice, and equity, emphasizing the role of science in addressing disparities in health, education, and resource access.
  5. Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts:
    There is a renewed focus on biodiversity conservation, reflecting global concerns about species extinction and ecosystem degradation, with special attention to South Africa's unique biomes.

Declining or Waning

While the South African Journal of Science continues to evolve, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence. These waning scopes may reflect shifting priorities in research funding, societal needs, or academic interest.
  1. Traditional Ecological Studies:
    Papers focused solely on traditional ecological studies without integrating socio-economic or political contexts are becoming less prevalent, as there is a growing recognition of the need for interdisciplinary approaches.
  2. Purely Theoretical Research:
    The journal has seen a decline in submissions that are purely theoretical without practical applications or implications for South African society, as there is an increasing demand for research with direct societal impact.
  3. Historical Perspectives on Science:
    Research papers that primarily focus on historical analyses of scientific developments in South Africa are becoming less common, with a shift towards contemporary issues and future-oriented research.

Similar Journals

Science and Public Policy

Empowering Policymakers with Scientific Evidence
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0302-3427Frequency: 6 issues/year

Science and Public Policy, published by Oxford University Press, serves as a vital conduit for research at the intersection of scientific inquiry and public governance. With its ISSN 0302-3427 and E-ISSN 1471-5430, this esteemed journal has steadily built a reputation for excellence within multiple fields, identified in 2023's quartile rankings as Q1 in Geography, Planning and Development, Q2 in Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, and Q1 in Public Administration. The journal’s scope includes in-depth analysis and discussions on how scientific knowledge influences public policy decisions, essential for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Spanning decades since its inception in 1974, Science and Public Policy is committed to providing a platform for scholarly work that addresses contemporary issues affecting policy frameworks, making it a crucial resource for those invested in the relationship between science and society. With a consistent track record of high impact, evident in its Scopus rankings that place it in the 75th percentile for Geography and Planning, and 70th for Public Administration, the journal promises to be an indispensable part of your library.

Lancet Planetary Health

Bridging disciplines to tackle planetary health challenges.
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTDISSN: Frequency: 12 issues/year

Lancet Planetary Health is a distinguished, open-access journal published by Elsevier Science Ltd, focusing on critical intersections between global health and environmental sustainability. Launched in 2017 and located in the Netherlands, this journal has quickly established itself as a leading platform for innovative research, evidenced by its Q1 ranking across multiple categories in 2023 including Health Policy, Public Health, and Environmental and Occupational Health. With an impressive Scopus ranking, placing it in the top 1% of similar journals, Lancet Planetary Health aims to foster interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to addressing the health challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The open access model not only enhances the visibility of published research but also promotes widespread dissemination of knowledge, making it an essential resource for anyone committed to advancing the field of planetary health.

PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0963-6625Frequency: 8 issues/year

PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, stands as a crucial multidisciplinary journal dedicated to exploring the intricate relationship between science and society. With its well-established history from 1992 through to 2024, this journal offers an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the communication of scientific knowledge and its impact on public perception. Recognized for its high academic standards, it proudly holds a Q1 ranking in the categories of Arts and Humanities, Communication, and Developmental and Educational Psychology, signifying its significant influence and contribution to these fields. The journal’s impressive percentile rankings further underscore its vital role in advancing scholarship, interaction, and understanding in the public discourse of science. Although it does not currently offer open access options, the journal is committed to disseminating scholarly research that informs and enriches the dialogue on critical scientific issues, making it a pivotal resource for anyone engaged in or studying the dynamics of science communication.

Novos Cadernos NAEA

Promoting accessible knowledge for a better tomorrow.
Publisher: UNIV FEDERAL PARAISSN: 1516-6481Frequency: 2 issues/year

Novos Cadernos NAEA is a prominent open-access journal published by Universidade Federal do Pará, dedicated to advancing the field of applied social sciences and environmental studies. Since its inception in 1998, this journal has established itself as a vital platform for researchers and practitioners to disseminate innovative research, engage in scholarly conversations, and promote interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary issues affecting society and the environment. With an ISSN of 1516-6481 and an E-ISSN of 2179-7536, it aims to enhance accessibility to knowledge by ensuring that all articles are freely available online, thereby supporting the global academic community. The journal's commitment to quality research is evident, making it an essential resource for scholars, students, and policymakers looking for cutting-edge analysis and insights in their fields.

International Journal of Conservation Science

Driving Impactful Change through Open Access Knowledge
Publisher: Romanian Inventors ForumISSN: 2067-533XFrequency: 4 issues/year

The International Journal of Conservation Science, published by the Romanian Inventors Forum, is a premier, Open Access journal dedicated to advancing the field of conservation science since its foundation in 2010. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, the journal welcomes contributions that explore innovative methodologies and sustainable practices in conservation. Based in Romania, the journal boasts an impact factor that positions it as a leading voice in its field, reflected by its Q1 ranking in Conservation and notable placements within its categories in Scopus. With coverage spanning diverse areas from natural resource management to environmental education, the journal serves as a crucial platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to drive impactful conservation strategies globally. The International Journal of Conservation Science not only enhances the visibility of significant research but also promotes open dialogue and collaboration among professionals committed to preserving our natural heritage.

Facets

Unveiling Interdisciplinary Insights for Tomorrow
Publisher: CANADIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHINGISSN: 2371-1671Frequency: 1 issue/year

Facets is a prominent open-access journal published by Canadian Science Publishing, dedicated to the multidimensional exploration of scientific knowledge across various disciplines. With an ISSN of 2371-1671, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike since its transition to open access in 2016. Based in Ottawa, Canada, Facets enjoys a remarkable reputation, evidenced by its ranking in the top quartile (Q1) of multidisciplinary journals as of 2023, and its impressive Scopus ranking as #24 out of 171, positioning it in the 86th percentile. The journal aims to facilitate innovative research and foster collaborations by providing a platform for cutting-edge studies that address complex, interdisciplinary challenges. The focus on a broad scope ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to the ongoing conversation in the scientific community, making Facets an essential point of reference for those seeking to stay at the forefront of scientific research.

Education as Change

Transforming Education, Inspiring Change.
Publisher: UNISA PRESSISSN: 1682-3206Frequency: 1 issue/year

Education as Change is a distinguished journal published by UNISA PRESS, focusing on the dynamic and transformative landscape of education. As an Open Access publication since 2016, it aims to disseminate innovative research and practical insights that foster thoughtful discourse in the field, making significant contributions to both practice and policy. With an ISSN of 1682-3206 and an E-ISSN of 1947-9417, this journal is indexed in Scopus as well as being categorized in the Q3 quartile for Education in 2023. It holds a rank of #959 out of 1543 in the category of Social Sciences Education, reflecting its commitment to quality scholarship within a global context. The journal welcomes contributions that delve into various educational change paradigms, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for improvement in educational systems, particularly within the South African context and beyond. By addressing key issues in educational reform and practice, Education as Change serves as an essential resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers alike, looking to engage with the complexities and opportunities in educational innovation.

South African Review of Sociology

Critical Discourse on the Pulse of South Africa
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2152-8586Frequency: 4 issues/year

South African Review of Sociology is a pivotal academic journal in the field of sociology, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With its ISSN 2152-8586 and E-ISSN 2072-1978, this journal offers a platform for critical discourse on contemporary social issues relevant to South Africa and beyond. Since its inception in 2006, it has steadily contributed to the advancement of sociological scholarship, achieving a commendable Q3 ranking in the social sciences and currently positioned within the 39th percentile of general social sciences as per Scopus metrics. Although it operates without an open-access model, it remains an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students looking to engage with cutting-edge research and thoughtful analyses that reflect the complexities of social dynamics. As the journal continues to evolve through 2024, it invites contributions that probe deeper into the sociocultural fabric of society, making it a significant asset for anyone interested in the sociological dimensions of contemporary life.

CienciaUat

Cultivating a community of innovative thinkers and researchers.
Publisher: UNIV AUTONOMA TAMAULIPASISSN: 2007-7521Frequency: 2 issues/year

CienciaUat is a distinguished academic journal published by the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, dedicated to fostering innovative research across various scientific disciplines. With an ISSN of 2007-7521 and an E-ISSN of 2007-7858, this journal serves as a platform for the dissemination of high-quality research findings that contribute to the advancement of science and technology within both local and international contexts. The journal aims to promote scholarly communication among researchers, professionals, and students, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and interdisciplinary approaches. Though specific metrics like H-Index and Scopus rankings are currently not provided, CienciaUat is committed to maintaining rigorous peer-review standards. The journal’s open-access model facilitates wide accessibility, ensuring that pivotal research reaches a global audience. The editorial team encourages submissions that adhere to the highest academic standards, reflecting innovation and relevance in today’s scientific landscape.

BOTHALIA

Unveiling the mysteries of nature's systems.
Publisher: SOUTH AFRICAN NATL BIODIVERSITY INST-SANBIISSN: 0006-8241Frequency: 1 issue/year

BOTHALIA is a prominent open-access journal dedicated to advancing the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Systematics, as well as Plant Science. Published by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), this journal has been disseminating valuable research since 1978 and has embraced open access since 2014 to enhance the visibility and accessibility of scientific knowledge. With an ISSN of 0006-8241 and E-ISSN of 2311-9284, BOTHALIA plays a pivotal role in promoting biodiversity research in South Africa and beyond. In the recent Scopus rankings, it has been positioned at Q4 in both relevant categories, highlighting its contributions within the broader scientific community, despite being in its growing phase amidst competitive rankings. The journal aims to publish high-quality articles that address critical issues in biodiversity and ecological sciences, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to understanding and managing our planet's biological heritage.