Why Researchers Choose PLOS ONE for High-Impact Publications
PLOS ONE stands as a premier open access journal, renowned for its commitment to publishing sound scientific research across all disciplines without bias toward perceived novelty or impact. Launched in 2006 by the Public Library of Science, it has grown into one of the largest and most cited journals globally, emphasizing rigorous peer review and accessibility. With an impact factor of 3.7 as of 2023, PLOS ONE attracts researchers seeking to disseminate their findings to a wide audience without paywalls. Its multidisciplinary approach allows studies from biology, medicine, environmental sciences, and social sciences to coexist, fostering interdisciplinary insights.
The journal's strength lies in its inclusive editorial policy, where decisions are based solely on scientific validity, not subjective measures of importance. This model has led to over 300,000 published articles, covering topics from climate change impacts to genomic advancements. Researchers value PLOS ONE for its rapid publication process, averaging 4-6 weeks from submission to first decision, and its commitment to data sharing and transparency. As an open access platform, all content is freely available, enhancing citation rates and collaboration opportunities worldwide.
Publishing in PLOS ONE offers significant career benefits, including increased visibility through indexing in major databases like PubMed and Scopus. The journal's non-profit publisher ensures that fees support sustainable open science rather than profit. For early-career researchers, it provides a reliable venue to build publication records without the barriers of traditional high-impact journals. Explore academic job opportunities or check the academic calendar for deadlines. To elevate your research profile, consider submitting to PLOS ONE today via their official portal and join a community dedicated to advancing knowledge.
Overview & History
PLOS ONE was established in December 2006 as part of the broader PLOS initiative to make scientific literature freely accessible. Founded by scientists frustrated with subscription-based models, it quickly gained traction by prioritizing quality over hype. By 2010, it had published thousands of articles and achieved an impact factor, solidifying its reputation. Today, it receives over 100,000 submissions annually, reflecting its appeal to diverse researchers. The journal's evolution includes enhancements in data availability policies and integration of advanced metrics for article-level assessment.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
PLOS ONE's scope is intentionally broad, accepting research in any scientific field as long as it meets methodological standards. It spans natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary areas, making it a go-to for comprehensive studies.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | Includes ecology, genetics, and physiology. |
| Medicine and Health | Covers clinical trials, epidemiology, and public health. |
| Environmental Sciences | Focuses on climate, biodiversity, and sustainability. |
| Social Sciences | Encompasses psychology, anthropology, and economics. |
| Physical Sciences | Addresses physics, chemistry, and materials science. |
| Interdisciplinary | Supports cross-field research like bioinformatics. |
Key Journal Metrics
PLOS ONE's metrics highlight its efficiency and influence in the academic landscape.
| Metric | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 3.7 | From Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 3.9 | Reflects sustained citation influence. |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 50% | Based on rigorous but fair peer review. |
| Average Time to First Decision | 4-6 weeks | Streamlined review process. |
| Total Articles Published | Over 300,000 | Since inception in 2006. |
Indexing and Abstracting
PLOS ONE is widely indexed, ensuring discoverability. It appears in PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), DOAJ, and Google Scholar. This coverage facilitates tracking via tools like Rate My Professor for academic insights. External links include the official journal homepage, PubMed, and Scopus.
Publication Model and Fees
As an open access journal, PLOS ONE uses an article processing charge (APC) model. The current APC is $2,409 USD, waived or reduced for authors from low-income countries via PLOS's waiver program. This supports immediate free access upon publication, with no subscription barriers. The model aligns with PLOS's mission for equitable science dissemination.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through Editorial Manager. Authors must prepare manuscripts per PLOS ONE guidelines, including data deposition and ethical statements. The process involves initial screening, peer review by at least two experts, and revisions. For tips, visit academic writing resources. Track progress and find related academic conferences.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises over 100 academic editors worldwide, led by Editor-in-Chief Joerg Heber. Members include experts from institutions like Harvard and Oxford, ensuring diverse perspectives. Their roles focus on maintaining integrity and efficiency in reviews.
Why Publish in PLOS ONE?
Publishing here offers broad reach, with articles averaging high downloads and citations. It's ideal for comprehensive datasets and negative results, promoting transparency. Career-wise, it boosts CVs for tenure-track positions; explore tenure-track jobs. The journal's prestige aids grant applications and collaborations.
Comparison with Similar Journals
PLOS ONE compares favorably to peers in open access multidisciplinary publishing.
| Journal | Impact Factor | APC | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLOS ONE | 3.7 | $2,409 | ~50% |
| Scientific Reports (Nature) | 4.6 | $2,190 | ~49% |
| PeerJ | 2.4 | $1,195 | ~60% |
| Frontiers in... (various) | 3-5 | $1,900-$3,000 | ~50% |
For more comparisons, check journal rankings.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
Ensure clarity in methods, adhere to reporting guidelines like ARRIVE for animal studies, and deposit data in repositories. Engage reviewers by addressing feedback promptly. Use tools from research funding resources. Always verify against the latest guidelines on the submission page. Success rates improve with interdisciplinary angles and robust statistics.