Journal of Experimental Biology: A Legacy of Comparative Physiology and Integrative Biology
The Journal of Experimental Biology (JEB) stands as a cornerstone of scientific literature, dedicated to the advancement of comparative physiology—the study of how different species solve biological problems—and integrative biology, which seeks to unify various levels of biological organization. Published by The Company of Biologists, this peer-reviewed journal provides a critical platform for researchers to share original findings that bridge the gap between different biological disciplines.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Established: 1923 (originally as The British Journal of Experimental Biology).
- Publisher: The Company of Biologists, United Kingdom.
- Frequency: 24 issues per year.
- Impact Factor: 2.8 (2022).
- Access Model: Hybrid; content becomes free to read after 12 months.
- Current Editor-in-Chief: Craig E. Franklin (University of Queensland, Australia).
A Century of Scientific Evolution
The journal began its journey in Edinburgh in 1923 under the name The British Journal of Experimental Biology. It was initially edited by F. A. E. Crew and featured a distinguished Editorial Board that included Julian Huxley. Following a period of financial instability, the journal was rescued in 1925 by George Parker Bidder II, the founder of The Company of Biologists.
In 1925, Sir James Gray was appointed as the first Editor-in-Chief, and by 1929, the publication was renamed the Journal of Experimental Biology. Over the decades, the journal has become synonymous with ground-breaking research in neurophysiology, skin transplantation, and biomechanics. Its pages have featured the work of Nobel Prize winners, including August Krogh and Peter Medawar.
The journal's enduring influence was recognized in 2009 when the School Library Association named it one of the top 100 journals in Biology and Medicine over the last century.
Scope and Editorial Content
The Journal of Experimental Biology focuses on original research, reviews, and the development of new methods and techniques. Its current scope is broad, encompassing several specialized fields:
- Biomechanics: The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.
- Metabolic Physiology: The study of chemical processes within a living organism to maintain life.
- Neurophysiology: The study of the functioning of the nervous system.
- Neuroethology: The evolutionary and adaptive aspects of an animal's nervous system and its natural behavior.
Beyond standard research papers, the journal offers unique sections to enrich the scientific community. "Inside JEB" highlights specific issue content, while "Outside JEB" discusses relevant literature from other publications. "JEB Classics" revisits pivotal historical papers, and "Commentaries" provide expert reviews on contemporary topics of interest.
Publication Model and Accessibility
JEB utilizes a continuous publication model, meaning the final version of record is released online as soon as it is ready. To support global science, the journal is a hybrid publication; while some authors pay a subsidized fee for immediate Open Access, all content is free to read after 12 months. Furthermore, the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative ensures that community members in developing countries have free access to all content.
Journal Specifications and Indexing
The journal is highly integrated with modern research tools, partnering with the Web of Science Reviewer Recognition Service and bioRxiv for co-submission. It is also a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), emphasizing the importance of evaluating research on its own merits rather than solely on the prestige of the journal.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print/Web) | 0022-0949 / 1477-9145 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | J. Exp. Biol. |
| OCLC Number | 1754580 |
| Indexing Services | Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, BIOBASE, CAB abstracts, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, Current Contents |
Journal Management
Since its inception, the journal has been guided by seven Editors-in-Chief, reflecting the evolving leadership of the field:
- Sir James Gray (1926–1955)
- J. A. Ramsay (1952–1974)
- Sir Vincent Wigglesworth (1955–1974)
- John Treherne (1974–1989)
- Charlie Ellington (1989–1994)
- Bob Boutilier (1994–2003)
- Hans Hoppeler (2004–2020)
- Craig Franklin (2020–Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current impact factor of the Journal of Experimental Biology?
As of 2022, the journal has an impact factor of 2.8.
How can I access articles in the journal for free?
Content that is over 12 months old is free to read. Additionally, members of the community in developing countries can access content through the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative.
What specific biological fields does the journal cover?
The journal focuses on comparative physiology and integrative biology, with a particular interest in biomechanics, metabolic physiology, neurophysiology, and neuroethology.
Is the Journal of Experimental Biology open access?
It is a hybrid journal. Authors can choose to make their articles Open Access by paying a subsidized fee; otherwise, articles become free to the public after 12 months.
Who is the current Editor-in-Chief?
The current Editor-in-Chief is Craig Franklin from the University of Queensland, Australia, who has held the position since 2020.