Why Researchers Choose Human Nature for High-Impact Publications
Human Nature has established itself as a cornerstone in the study of human evolution, behavior, and social structures through an evolutionary lens. Launched in 1990, this Springer-published journal bridges anthropology, biology, psychology, and sociology to explore fundamental questions about humanity. Researchers are drawn to Human Nature for its commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship that challenges traditional boundaries and fosters innovative insights into human nature.
The journal's scope encompasses topics like mating strategies, kinship, cooperation, and cultural evolution, making it ideal for scholars aiming to publish work with broad implications. Its impact factor, consistently reflecting high citation rates, underscores the value of contributions here. For instance, articles often garner attention from diverse fields, enhancing an author's visibility in academic circles.
Publishing in Human Nature signals rigorous analysis and theoretical depth, appealing to those building credentials in competitive job markets. The editorial process ensures quality, with a focus on empirical evidence and theoretical innovation. As anthropology evolves, Human Nature remains at the forefront, supporting open dialogues on sensitive topics like gender roles and resource allocation in human societies.
Whether you're investigating cross-cultural patterns or evolutionary psychology, this journal provides a respected venue. To elevate your research profile, consider submitting your next manuscript. For guidance on academic careers, explore anthropology job opportunities that value such publications.
Overview & History
Human Nature was founded in 1990 to promote evolutionary perspectives on human behavior, initially under Aldine de Gruyter before transitioning to Springer in 2007. It emerged from a need to integrate biological and social sciences, inspired by pioneers in evolutionary anthropology. Over three decades, it has published seminal works on topics from parental investment to conflict resolution, amassing a reputation for intellectual rigor.
The journal's evolution mirrors advancements in genomics and behavioral ecology, adapting to include contemporary issues like climate impacts on human adaptation. Its quarterly issues feature original research, reviews, and theoretical pieces, maintaining a balance between empirical studies and conceptual debates. This historical trajectory positions Human Nature as a vital resource for understanding humanity's past and future.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Human Nature focuses on evolutionary explanations of human behavior, culture, and biology. It welcomes submissions that apply Darwinian principles to social phenomena, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Anthropology | Core focus on cultural and biological evolution. |
| Evolutionary Biology | Studies on genetic and adaptive traits in humans. |
| Psychology | Behavioral patterns through an evolutionary lens. |
| Sociology | Social structures and cooperation mechanisms. |
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 2.286 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 2.8 |
| CiteScore | 4.2 |
| h-Index | 45 |
These metrics highlight Human Nature's influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its relevance in evolutionary studies.
Indexing and Abstracting
Human Nature is indexed in major databases including Scopus, Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), PubMed, and Anthropological Index Online. This ensures wide discoverability. For access, visit the official journal homepage or Scopus for detailed analytics.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Human Nature offers subscription-based access with open access options. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for gold open access is €2,590 (excluding taxes). No fees for traditional publication. Authors retain copyright under Creative Commons licenses for OA articles.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted via Springer's Editorial Manager system. Guidelines emphasize clear evolutionary framing, originality, and ethical standards. Initial review takes 2-4 weeks, followed by peer review averaging 3 months. Prepare submissions with abstracts under 200 words and references in APA style.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises experts like Editor-in-Chief Monique Borgerhoff Mulder (University of California, Davis), specializing in behavioral ecology, and associate editors from institutions worldwide, ensuring global perspectives on human evolution.
Why Publish in Human Nature?
Publishing here amplifies research impact through high visibility and interdisciplinary readership. It bolsters tenure dossiers and funding applications in anthropology. The journal's prestige aids in networking at conferences. For career advice, check Rate My Professor for insights from peers.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Evolution and Human Behavior | 3.1 | Psychological evolution |
| Current Anthropology | 2.9 | Broad anthropology |
| Behavioral Ecology | 2.6 | Animal and human behavior |
Human Nature excels in integrating social sciences with biology, distinguishing it from more specialized peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work explicitly with evolutionary theory.
- Use robust datasets and cross-cultural evidence.
- Seek feedback before submission to refine arguments.
- Review recent issues for stylistic fit.
To stay organized, utilize the academic calendar for deadlines. Explore faculty positions to see publication expectations.