PNAS: The Official Journal of the United States National Academy of Sciences
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, commonly known as PNAS, stands as one of the world's most influential peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journals. Serving as the official publication of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), it provides a global platform for original research, scientific reviews, commentaries, and letters across a vast array of scientific disciplines.
Since its inception, PNAS has been recognized for its prestige and high impact. It is currently the second most cited scientific journal globally, boasting more than 1.9 million cumulative citations between 2008 and 2018. With a 2024 impact factor of 9.1, it continues to be a primary destination for groundbreaking scientific discovery.
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Key Facts
- Founded: Established in 1914; first issue published in 1915.
- Publisher: United States National Academy of Sciences.
- Impact Factor: 9.1 (2024).
- Access Model: Hybrid open access with a six-month delayed embargo.
- Format: Online-only since January 2019 (print available on demand).
- Scope: Multidisciplinary, covering a wide range of scientific and artistic subjects.
Journal Overview and Accessibility
PNAS operates on a hybrid open access model. This means that while some content is available immediately via author fees, other articles are subject to a six-month embargo period before becoming freely available to the public. Since September 2017, all open access articles have been published under a Creative Commons license to encourage the sharing of knowledge.
The journal's distribution shifted significantly in January 2019, when it transitioned to an online-only publication model, though print versions remain accessible upon request.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Language | English |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. |
| ISSN (Print/Web) | 0027-8424 / 1091-6490 |
| Current Editor-in-Chief | May Berenbaum (2019–present) |
History and Evolution of Submissions
The National Academy of Sciences was founded in 1863 by a charter from the U.S. Congress to investigate and report on science and art. PNAS was later established in 1914 to formalize these communications. Initially, the journal primarily published brief announcements of research contributed by Academy members and associates.
The submission process has evolved significantly over the last century:
- 1995: PNAS opened submissions to all authors, removing the requirement for sponsorship by an NAS member.
- 2010: The journal eliminated "communicated submissions" (papers submitted via NAS members), though the Academy still makes the final decision on all papers.
Today, the vast majority of the journal's content—approximately 95%—consists of Direct Submissions that undergo standard peer review, while 5% are contributed submissions.
Expansion: PNAS Nexus
In 2022, the NAS expanded its publishing reach by establishing PNAS Nexus, an interdisciplinary open-access journal published in partnership with Oxford Academic.
Editorial Challenges and Controversies
National Security and Sensitive Material
In 2003, PNAS implemented a policy to monitor submissions for sensitive material in the life sciences that could potentially compromise public welfare. Despite this, the journal has maintained a commitment to scientific transparency. For example, in 2005, PNAS published a study on botulinum toxin in milk—analyzing a potential bioterror attack on the food supply—despite objections from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Contributed Review Debate
The journal has faced criticism regarding its "contributed review" system for Academy members. A 2023 refutation by Holliday et al. argued that this nonstandard review process allowed the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis (which the authors describe as evolving from pseudoscience) to be published. This controversy contributed to the 2010 decision to curtail "pal reviews" and move toward a more rigorous, anonymous peer-review standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the impact factor of PNAS?
As of 2024, PNAS has an impact factor of 9.1.
How does the open access model work for PNAS?
PNAS uses a hybrid model. Articles are generally available via delayed open access after a six-month embargo, though authors can pay a fee to make their work immediately open access.
Can non-members of the National Academy of Sciences submit papers?
Yes. Since December 1995, PNAS has accepted submissions from all authors regardless of their membership status with the NAS.
Is PNAS still printed in physical form?
Since January 2019, PNAS has been an online-only journal, although print issues are still available on demand.
What is the difference between PNAS and PNAS Nexus?
While PNAS is the primary official journal of the NAS, PNAS Nexus is a separate interdisciplinary open-access journal established in 2022 and published by Oxford Academic.