The Biochemical Journal: A Legacy of Scientific Excellence in Biochemistry
The Biochemical Journal is a prestigious peer-reviewed scientific publication dedicated to the advancement of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. Established in 1906, it has served as a critical forum for researchers to share discoveries that shape our understanding of the chemical processes within living organisms.
Published by Portland Press, the journal maintains a rigorous standard of academic excellence, ensuring that the research it disseminates is both accurate and impactful. From its humble beginnings in Liverpool to its current status as a digital leader in scientific publishing, the journal continues to be a cornerstone of the global biochemical community.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1906 by Benjamin Moore and Edward Whitley.
- Scope: Biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology.
- Publisher: Portland Press.
- Frequency: 24 issues per year (8 volumes of 3 parts each).
- Impact Factor: 4.097 (as of 2019).
- Access Model: Hybrid, with open access available after 12 months.
Historical Evolution
The journal was founded in 1906 by Benjamin Moore, who held the first UK chair of biochemistry at the University of Liverpool. The venture was made possible through the financial backing of Edward Whitley, an heir to the Greenall Whitley brewers. Initially published by the Liverpool University Press, the publication was later acquired in October 1912 by the Biochemical Club, which subsequently became the Biochemical Society.
In 1913, the journal entered a partnership with Cambridge University Press and underwent a name change from The Bio-Chemical Journal to The Biochemical Journal. Under the leadership of William Bayliss and Arthur Harden, the journal began to grow its influence. While it initially appeared at irregular intervals, its publication frequency increased steadily. By 1948, it moved to two volumes annually, eventually reaching its current structure of 24 issues per year by 1974.
Modern Innovations and Digital Transformation
To celebrate its centenary in 2006, the journal launched a comprehensive free online archive, providing PDF access to every issue dating back to 1906. This commitment to accessibility and user experience earned the journal the 2007 Charlesworth Award for Best Online Journal from the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP).
The journal has consistently pushed the boundaries of digital publishing. In 2009, it introduced the Semantic Biochemical Journal using Utopia Documents software. This innovation transformed static content—such as text, tables, and images—into interactive objects. This allows researchers to dynamically link documents to research data, enabling more effective analysis and visualization of scientific information.
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Academic Impact and Highly-Cited Research
The Biochemical Journal is recognized for publishing foundational research. It boasts over 100 papers with more than 1,000 citations each. Some of the most influential works include:
- Burton (1956): A study on the diphenylamine reaction for DNA estimation, cited over 17,000 times.
- Greenwood, Hunter, and Glover (1963): Research on 131I-Labelled Human Growth Hormone, cited over 10,000 times.
- Nash (1953): A method for the colorimetric estimation of formaldehyde using the Hantzsch reaction.
Journal Specifications Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Biochem. J. |
| ISSN (Print/Web) | 0264-6021 / 1470-8728 |
| Indexing | MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, and more |
| CODEN | BIJOAK |
| OCLC Number | 01532962 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current impact factor of The Biochemical Journal?
According to the 2019 Journal Citation Reports, the journal has an impact factor of 4.097.
How often is the journal published?
The journal is published 24 times per year, organized into eight volumes, with each volume consisting of three parts.
Is The Biochemical Journal open access?
The journal operates on a hybrid model, meaning papers typically become open access after 12 months.
What is the Semantic Biochemical Journal?
It is a technological innovation using Utopia Documents software that converts static journal content into interactive objects, linking scientific papers directly to research data for better analysis.
Who founded the journal and when?
The journal was established in 1906 by Benjamin Moore, with financial support from Edward Whitley.