npj Biodiversity is an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research within the field of biodiversity science. As a component of the Nature Partner Journals (npj) series, it is published by Springer Nature. The journal provides a platform for researchers and practitioners focused on ecology and evolution, with an emphasis on the innovation and practical impact of the work submitted. Its model ensures that all findings are freely available to a global audience.
Aims and Scope of the Journal
The mission of npj Biodiversity is to publish significant original research that advances the understanding of life’s diversity. The journal’s scope is broad, covering all levels of biological organization. This includes explorations of genetic diversity within populations, the variety of species in ecological communities, and the complexity of entire ecosystems and landscapes.
Specific sub-fields of interest span both theoretical and applied research. The journal welcomes submissions in:
- General ecology and evolution
- Biogeography
- Macroecology and macroevolution
- Palaeontology
- Microbial ecology
This reflects a comprehensive approach to understanding life’s history and its microscopic constituents.
The journal also encourages interdisciplinary work, recognizing that biodiversity does not exist in isolation and is deeply connected to global change and human activity. It invites research that integrates biodiversity science with fields such as climate science, social sciences, and environmental economics. This holistic perspective is important for developing solutions that balance the needs of both natural ecosystems and human societies for conservation and sustainable development.
Published Article Formats
The journal accommodates several types of manuscripts. The primary format is the “Article,” which is reserved for presenting new, original research findings. These manuscripts are expected to be data-rich, methodologically robust, and provide substantial new insights into biodiversity, forming the bulk of the journal’s published content.
Another accepted format is the “Review” article. A Review provides a comprehensive and balanced synthesis of a particular topic within biodiversity science. These papers survey recent developments, summarize the state of knowledge in a specific area, and may identify outstanding questions or future research directions. They are valuable resources for both newcomers to a field and experts seeking a broad overview.
The journal also publishes “synthesis” papers, which aim to integrate ideas and findings across different sub-disciplines. These formats allow for well-grounded speculation and policy-related statements when they are properly supported by existing evidence or data.
The Submission and Review Process
The publication process begins with the author’s preparation of the manuscript. Researchers must ensure their work adheres to the journal’s specific formatting and author guidelines, which are available on the official website. This includes structuring the document correctly and preparing all figures, tables, and references in the required style.
Once the manuscript is prepared, it is submitted through an online portal. The submission undergoes an initial editorial triage where the in-house editorial team checks if the manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope, meets quality standards, and follows formatting rules. Submissions that do not pass this initial screening may be returned to the authors without being sent for external review.
Manuscripts that pass the initial check proceed to peer review. The journal employs an anonymous peer-review model, where the identities of the reviewers are kept from the authors. External experts with relevant knowledge are invited to evaluate the manuscript based on its scientific rigor, originality, and the significance of its contribution to the field.
Following the peer review, the editor considers the expert feedback and makes a decision. The possible outcomes include acceptance, a request for minor or major revisions, or rejection. If revisions are requested, authors are given a timeframe to address the reviewers’ comments and resubmit their work. The average time from submission to final publication is approximately 22 weeks. After a manuscript is formally accepted, it enters the production phase, which includes copyediting, typesetting, and proofreading before it is officially published online.
Assessing Journal Impact and Visibility
npj Biodiversity offers several indicators of its academic standing and visibility. One common measure is the Impact Factor, which reflects the average number of citations to recent articles; the journal’s Impact Factor for 2024 is 6.25. Another metric, the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), is 2.081, which considers both the number of citations and the prestige of the journals where those citations originate.
The journal is categorized in the top quartile (Q1) of its subject areas, which includes fields like Animal Science and Zoology, Ecology, and Oceanography. Its h-index is 6, meaning at least six of its articles have been cited at least six times each.
The open-access model of npj Biodiversity is a benefit for authors seeking broad dissemination. Because there are no paywalls, articles are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, leading to increased readership and a wider global reach. This unrestricted access can lead to a higher potential for citations. Association with the Nature brand further enhances the credibility and visibility of the research published in the journal, which is indexed in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science.