Environmental Science & Policy – Sustainability Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Environmental Science & Policy for High-Impact Publications

Environmental Science & Policy stands as a cornerstone for scholars addressing the intersection of science, policy, and sustainability. Published by Elsevier since 1998, this journal bridges environmental research with practical policy implications, making it essential for academics in sustainability fields. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only innovative, evidence-based contributions see publication, enhancing the credibility of authors' work. Researchers value its broad scope, covering topics from climate change adaptation to biodiversity conservation policies. The journal's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches attracts contributions from ecology, economics, and social sciences, fostering dialogues that influence global environmental strategies.

With a focus on actionable insights, Environmental Science & Policy has evolved to meet the demands of contemporary challenges like sustainable development goals. Its international editorial board, drawing expertise from Europe, North America, and beyond, upholds high standards while promoting diverse perspectives. For early-career researchers, publishing here opens doors to collaborations and funding opportunities, as the journal's visibility in major databases amplifies citation potential. The hybrid open-access model allows flexibility in dissemination, balancing accessibility with traditional subscription benefits. As environmental issues intensify, the journal's role in shaping policy discourse grows, making it a strategic choice for impactful submissions.

Key to its appeal is the emphasis on policy relevance; articles often translate complex scientific findings into frameworks for decision-makers. This not only elevates academic profiles but also contributes to real-world solutions. Metrics like a 5.4 impact factor underscore its influence, with articles frequently cited in governmental reports and international agreements. For those navigating academic careers, consider exploring sustainability jobs or connecting with peers via Rate My Professor to refine your research focus before submitting.

To get started, review the submission guidelines on the official site and align your manuscript with the journal's aims. Publishing in Environmental Science & Policy can propel your research trajectory—check the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines and opportunities in higher education.

Overview & History

Launched in 1998 by Elsevier, Environmental Science & Policy emerged to address the growing need for integrated approaches to environmental challenges. Initially focused on European contexts, it quickly expanded globally, reflecting the transnational nature of sustainability issues. Over the years, the journal has published over 2,000 articles, influencing policies on topics like renewable energy transitions and ecosystem management. Its evolution mirrors advancements in environmental science, incorporating digital tools for data visualization and open data policies to enhance reproducibility.

The journal's founding editors emphasized bridging disciplinary divides, a principle that persists today. Milestones include special issues on the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals, which garnered widespread attention. Based in the Netherlands, it benefits from Elsevier's robust infrastructure, ensuring timely production and wide distribution. This historical foundation positions Environmental Science & Policy as a trusted venue for long-term impact in sustainability research.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Environmental Science & Policy encompasses the analysis of environmental problems through scientific and policy lenses. It welcomes manuscripts that integrate empirical data with normative discussions on governance, ethics, and innovation. Core themes include environmental governance, risk assessment, and socio-ecological systems, appealing to a wide array of researchers.

These disciplines ensure comprehensive coverage, encouraging cross-field collaborations.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight the journal's standing in environmental and policy studies.

Indexing and Abstracting

Environmental Science & Policy is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring global visibility. It appears in Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), Scopus, and PubMed for relevant health-policy intersections. Additional coverage includes DOAJ for open-access articles and Google Scholar. This indexing facilitates discoverability, with abstracts available through Elsevier's ScienceDirect platform. Researchers benefit from enhanced metrics tracking via these services, boosting career progression. For policy-oriented work, inclusion in SSRN aids pre-print sharing.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, Environmental Science & Policy offers both subscription and open-access options. Traditional publication is free for authors, with access via institutional subscriptions. For open access, the Article Processing Charge (APC) is €3,590 (approximately $3,850 USD), covering peer review and dissemination. Waivers are available for authors from low-income countries through Elsevier's agreements. The model supports green and gold OA routes, aligning with funder mandates like Plan S. This flexibility accommodates diverse researcher needs while maintaining quality.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled via Elsevier's Editorial Manager system, accessible from the journal's homepage. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, up to 8,000 words, with abstracts under 250 words. Guidelines emphasize clear policy implications and interdisciplinary relevance. Initial screening checks for originality, followed by double-anonymized peer review. Revisions typically take 4-6 weeks. Ethical standards require declarations of conflicts and data availability. Successful submissions often feature robust methodologies and stakeholder engagement. For tips, explore higher ed jobs in environmental policy.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises 25 members from leading institutions worldwide. Editor-in-Chief Jochen Monstadt, from Utrecht University, oversees strategic direction with expertise in urban sustainability. Associate Editors include specialists in climate policy from the University of East Anglia and environmental economics from Stanford. Diversity is evident, with representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Board members like Maria Nogueron focus on biodiversity policy, ensuring balanced perspectives. Their affiliations with IPCC and UN panels add prestige, guiding the journal toward cutting-edge topics.

Why Publish in Environmental Science & Policy?

Publishing here amplifies research reach, with articles influencing policymakers and practitioners. The journal's Q1 ranking in environmental sciences guarantees elite exposure. Authors gain from rapid online publication and DOI assignment for immediate citability. Interdisciplinary appeal broadens readership, from academics to NGOs. Career benefits include enhanced CVs for tenure and grants. Compared to peers, its policy focus differentiates it, offering unique value. Link your work to environmental science jobs for practical applications.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison shows Environmental Science & Policy's balanced metrics and niche in policy-oriented environmental research.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, tailor your abstract to highlight policy relevance and novelty. Use visuals like figures for clarity, adhering to 6 maximum. Engage with recent issues for citation alignment. Seek feedback from colleagues via platforms like academic jobs networks. Address reviewer comments thoroughly, emphasizing interdisciplinary contributions. Track progress through the portal and consider co-authorship with board members for insights. These strategies increase acceptance chances in this competitive venue.