Top 20 Scopus Research Journals to Publish Your Manuscript in 2025

With more than 28,000 indexed journals today, Scopus stands as one of the most reputable academic publication databases. Publishing research papers in high-impact journals remains a crucial factor in achieving academic success.

For researchers, PhD students, and academics, securing a publication in a prestigious journal can significantly boost visibility, enhance career prospects, and contribute to academic advancement.

In this detailed guide, we have listed scopus indexed journals across various fields, based on impact factors, citation scores, and publishing processes.

Sr. No.	Journal	Impact Factor	CiteScore	First time to Review (Days)	Publisher	Indexing
1	Nature	50.5	70.2	7		PubMed Scopus Web of Science EBSCO Host
2	Science	50.3	61.1	8		Scopus Scimago Journal Ranking (SJR) Web of Science
3	New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)	96.2	84.3	5		PubMed Web of Science Scopus
4	The Lancet	98.4	82.5	8		Scopus Web of Science PubMed
5	Cell	45.5	58.9	10		Scopus Web of Science Directory of Open Access Journals PubMed
6	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS)	9.4	15.7	21		Scopus EBSCO Host ProQuest
7	Chemical Reviews	51.5	58.7	14		Scopus PubMed ProQuest Web of Science
8	JAMA	63.5	71.8	7		Web of Science Scopus
9	Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS)	14.8	22.4	17		Web of Science ProQuest PubMed Scopus
10	Physical Review Letters	8.1	12.3	25		Scopus
11	Circulation	35.6	42.1	14		Scopus PubMed
12	Advanced Materials	27.4	36.8	16		PubMed Web of Science Scopus
13	Nucleic Acids Research	16.9	27.3	21		PubMed Web of Science Scopus ProQuest
14	Chemical Society Reviews	40.4	50.2	15		Scopus PubMed Web of Science
15	Angewandte Chemie – International Edition	16.1	21.8	18		Web of Science PubMed Scopus ProQuest
16	Nature Genetics	31.8	41.5	10		Scimago Journal Ranking (SJR) Web of Science Scopus
17	Nature Medicine	58.7	66.9	8		Scopus Web of Science
18	Journal of Clinical Oncology	42.1	53.4	12		Scopus EBSCO Host Web of Science
19	Nature Materials	37.2	48.3	9		Scopus Web of Science
20	Nature Communications	14.7	19.3	14		PubMed Web of Science Directory of Open Access Journals Scopus

#1. Nature

Nature Journal is considered as one of the most oldest journal established since 1869 and has weekly publication cover since them. It’s impact factor of 50.5 make is very prestigeous for researchers to achive a publication in this journal. The journal covers groundbreaking research across all scientific disciplines, particularly emphasizing work with interdisciplinary significance.

Nature Journal’s publication aim is to serve the scientific community through timely publication of significant advances while ensuring research findings reach the public in accessible formats. The journal maintains exceptionally high standards, selecting manuscripts based on originality, importance, interdisciplinary appeal, and surprising conclusions. With over 280,000 citations annually, publication in Nature instantly elevates a researcher’s profile. However, this prestige comes with challenges—the acceptance rate hovers around 7%, and the publication fee exceeds $12,690. For researchers with groundbreaking findings that hold implications across scientific disciplines, Nature remains the most coveted publication venue despite these barriers.

Submission occurs through their online portal, and accepted papers benefit from professional editing services that enhance clarity without compromising scientific integrity.

#2. Science

Science stands as one of the most prestigious general science journals globally, offering researchers a platform for publishing groundbreaking work that appeals to a broad scientific audience. Published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) since 1880, Science has established itself as a cornerstone publication for transformative research across disciplines.

Like Nature, Science prioritizes research with interdisciplinary significance and broad implications. The journal publishes weekly, featuring original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that represent substantial advances in understanding. Its impact factor of 50.3 reflects the journal’s enormous influence on scientific discourse. Science’s editorial process is known for its rigor and efficiency. Initial submissions undergo screening by editors who assess whether the work represents a major advance warranting consideration. This selective approach contributes to the journal’s very low acceptance rate of approximately 6%, making publication in Science a significant career milestone for researchers.

While the publication fee of $5,500 is lower than Nature’s, it remains substantial. However, the journal offers fee waivers for researchers from developing countries and those facing financial hardship, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility alongside excellence.

#3. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)

The New England Journal of Medicine stands as the preeminent medical journal worldwide, serving as the definitive source for clinical research and healthcare policy since its founding in 1812. For medical researchers and clinicians, publication in NEJM represents the highest level of recognition in the field.

NEJM publishes groundbreaking clinical trials, innovative medical approaches, and authoritative reviews that directly influence medical practice worldwide. With an extraordinary impact factor of 96.2—the highest among medical journals—research published in NEJM receives immediate attention from clinicians, researchers, and policymakers globally.

The journal maintains exceptionally stringent peer review standards, employing statistical reviewers alongside subject matter experts to ensure methodological rigor. This contributes to its remarkably low acceptance rate of approximately 5%. The editorial team prioritizes studies with clear clinical implications, particularly randomized controlled trials that can directly influence patient care.

NEJM does not charge any submission or publication fees. The journal provides extensive editorial support to accepted manuscripts, ensuring that complex medical findings are presented with clarity while maintaining scientific precision. For clinical researchers, publication in NEJM can directly translate to changes in medical practice guidelines and standards of care.

#4. The Lancet

The Lancet has remained at the forefront of medical publishing since 1823, earning its reputation as one of the world’s leading medical journals through its commitment to publishing research that can drive immediate changes in clinical practice and health policy globally.

With an exceptional impact factor of 98.4, The Lancet emphasizes research with global health implications. The journal is particularly known for publishing landmark clinical trials and studies addressing major public health challenges, including infectious diseases, non-communicable conditions, and health systems research. The Lancet has been especially influential in publishing pivotal research during health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lancet maintains a highly selective review process with an acceptance rate of approximately 5%. The editorial team places particular emphasis on research methodology, clinical relevance, and potential to influence health outcomes globally. While maintaining rigorous scientific standards, The Lancet also values research addressing health inequities and studies conducted in resource-limited settings.

Publication in The Lancet costs around $7,890, though the journal offers waivers for researchers from low-income countries. Beyond original research, The Lancet publishes influential reviews, commentaries, and special series on critical health topics that shape global health discourse and policy.

#5. Cell

Cell represents the pinnacle of biological and biomedical research publishing, focusing on exceptional studies that fundamentally advance our understanding of cellular and molecular biology. Since its launch in 1974, Cell has established itself as the premier journal for publishing transformative discoveries in life sciences.

Cell’s editorial process is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 8%. Initial submissions undergo thorough editorial screening before peer review, ensuring that only manuscripts with potential for significant impact enter the full review process. The journal values methodological innovation alongside conceptual novelty, often featuring studies that employ cutting-edge techniques to address fundamental biological questions.

At $11,400, Cell’s publication fee reflects its premium positioning in the publishing landscape. However, the journal offers extensive editorial support and production resources, including professional illustration assistance that enhances the visual presentation of complex biological data. For molecular and cellular biologists, publication in Cell often represents a career-defining achievement that can establish research prominence in the field.

#6.  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) holds a unique position in the scientific publishing landscape as the official journal of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States. Established in 1915, PNAS publishes cutting-edge research across all scientific disciplines, maintaining high standards while covering an exceptionally broad range of topics.

With an impact factor of 9.4, PNAS publishes research spanning the biological, physical, and social sciences. The journal is particularly valued for its multidisciplinary approach, often featuring work that crosses traditional field boundaries. PNAS is known for publishing foundational studies that establish new research directions or methodological approaches with broad applications.

PNAS offers a distinctive two-track submission process. Direct submissions undergo standard peer review with an acceptance rate of approximately 17%. Additionally, members of the National Academy of Sciences can “communicate” papers by non-members, contributing to the journal’s reputation for publishing work from established and emerging researchers alike. This dual pathway creates a unique publication venue that combines prestige with somewhat greater accessibility than journals like Nature or Science.

Publication in PNAS costs around $5,495, though the journal offers discounts for open access fees to institutions with membership subscriptions. The journal strikes a balance between selectivity and inclusivity, maintaining high standards while publishing substantially more papers than journals like Nature or Science. For researchers seeking a prestigious publication venue with somewhat less extreme competition, PNAS offers an attractive option across scientific disciplines.

#7. Chemical Reviews

Chemical Reviews ranks among the top academic journals in chemistry, giving researchers a trusted place to publish comprehensive review articles. The American Chemical Society has published this respected journal since 1924, making it a long-standing resource for important developments in chemistry fields.

Chemical Reviews stands out for its high Citescore of 106, showing its strong impact in the research community. The journal focuses on thorough, trustworthy reviews across all chemistry areas. Unlike many research journals, Chemical Reviews only publishes invited content, though researchers can submit proposals that may lead to invitations.

The journal covers core chemistry topics like analytical, physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. It also welcomes work in biological and medicinal chemistry, sustainable chemistry, computational methods, materials science, energy research, and chemical engineering. With its broad scope and high standards, publication in Chemical Reviews signals significant expertise in your field.

While the $4,500 publication fee may seem steep, the journal’s visibility and reputation offer valuable returns for researchers seeking to establish their authority in chemistry.

#8. Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA)

JAMA has been a cornerstone of medical research publishing since 1883, serving as an authoritative voice in clinical medicine and health policy. As the flagship journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA maintains a commitment to publishing research that directly impacts clinical practice and healthcare systems.

With an impact factor of 63.5, JAMA publishes influential original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses across the spectrum of medical disciplines. The journal particularly values well-designed clinical trials, cohort studies, and health outcomes research that offers clear implications for medical practice. JAMA’s influence extends beyond research findings to include thoughtful perspectives on healthcare policy, ethics, and the broader social context of medicine.

JAMA maintains a selective peer review process, accepting approximately 9% of submitted manuscripts. The editorial team prioritizes methodological rigor, clinical relevance, and potential to influence patient care or health policy. The journal is known for its thorough statistical review, ensuring that research findings rest on solid analytical foundations.

Publication in JAMA costs around $4,500, though the journal offers discounts for members of the American Medical Association. JAMA is particularly noted for its accessible presentation of complex medical research, with editors working closely with authors to ensure findings are communicated clearly to clinicians across specialties. Each research article is accompanied by an editor’s note highlighting key findings and implications, enhancing the clinical impact of published studies.

#9. Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS)

The Journal of the American Chemical Society stands as the flagship publication of the American Chemical Society and holds a special place in chemistry publishing. Founded in 1879, JACS has shaped chemistry research for nearly 150 years, making it one of the oldest and most trusted journals in the field.

With a Citescore of 24.4, JACS continues to be a leading outlet for chemistry research. The journal covers the full range of chemistry and related fields, from traditional areas like analytical and organic chemistry to emerging topics in nanoscience, sustainable chemistry, and chemical engineering. JACS has earned its reputation through strict peer review and high standards for research quality and significance. Getting published in JACS represents a major achievement for chemists at any career stage. The journal’s wide readership ensures your work reaches the right audience across academia and industry.

The publication fee of $4,500 reflects the journal’s prestige, though unlike some other top journals, JACS does not offer a free publication option. Researchers should weigh this cost against the journal’s exceptional visibility and reputation when planning their publication strategy.

#10. Physical Review Letters

Physical Review Letters (PRL) has served as physics’ most prestigious and influential letters journal since its founding in 1958. Published by the American Physical Society, Physical Review Letters features concise reports of significant advances across all physics disciplines, emphasizing work with broad appeal and fundamental significance.

With an impact factor of 8.1, Physical Review Letters publishes groundbreaking research across theoretical and experimental physics, including condensed matter, quantum physics, particle physics, astrophysics, and applied physics. The journal is known for featuring discoveries that open new research directions or resolve longstanding theoretical questions. Many Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in physics were first reported in Physical Review Letters, underscoring its central role in the field.

Physical Review Letters maintains a selective review process with an acceptance rate of approximately 25%. The journal’s distinctive editorial standard requires that papers not only be technically sound but also of sufficient interest to physicists working outside the specific subfield. This “Physical Review Letters standard” ensures published work has broad significance rather than representing incremental advances of interest only to specialists.

Publication in Physical Review Letters costs around only $95 as it does not go with the traditional way of publication. for open access, with traditional subscription-based publication also available.

#11. Circulation

Circulation serves as the premier journal of the American Heart Association and leads the field of cardiovascular medicine. Since its launch in 1950, the journal has published groundbreaking research that shapes how doctors prevent, diagnose, and treat heart disease.

Circulation boasts a strong Citescore of 35.6 and Impact factor of 40.5, showing its significant impact in the medical research community. The journal publishes a wide range of content related to heart health and disease, including original research, clinical trials, review articles, and advances in basic science.

The journal’s broad scope covers all aspects of cardiovascular medicine, from new treatments to public health approaches. Circulation is known for featuring studies that change medical practice and improve patient outcomes. Its rigorous peer review process ensures only high-quality, trustworthy research reaches publication.

With a publication fee of $4,320 and a free publication option available, Circulation offers researchers flexibility. The journal’s extensive indexing ensures work published here reaches healthcare providers, researchers, and policy makers worldwide.

#12. Advanced Materials

Advanced Materials has established itself as the leading publication in materials science research, covering breakthroughs in the development and application of novel materials across disciplines. Since its founding in 1989, the journal has been at the forefront of publishing research on materials that enable technological innovations in electronics, energy, healthcare, and environmental applications.

With an impact factor of 27.4, Advanced Materials publishes cutting-edge research on material synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications. The journal covers a wide range of materials, including nanomaterials, 2D materials, polymers, biomaterials, and electronic materials. Advanced Materials is particularly influential in areas where materials science intersects with other disciplines, such as biomedical engineering, energy storage, and sustainable technology.

Advanced Materials maintains a selective review process with an acceptance rate of approximately 15%. The editorial team evaluates submissions based on novelty, technical excellence, and potential technological impact. The journal is known for rapid publication of Communications—concise reports of significant breakthroughs that benefit from accelerated peer review and production processes.

Publication in Advanced Materials costs around $6,070 for open access, though traditional subscription-based publication is also available. The journal places particular emphasis on visual presentation, working with authors to create impactful graphics that illustrate material structures and properties effectively. For materials scientists, publication in Advanced Materials signals exceptional contribution to the field and often attracts attention from both academic and industrial sectors.

#13. Nucleic Acids Research

Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) stands as a leading journal for scientists studying DNA, RNA, and related proteins. Published by Oxford University Press since 1974, NAR has built a strong reputation for featuring important discoveries about the molecules that store and express genetic information.

With a solid impact factor of 16.9 and citescore of of 27.1, Nucleic Acids Research shows its strong influence in the field. The journal covers a wide range of topics related to nucleic acids and the proteins that work with them. This includes everything from the chemical structure of DNA to how genes are regulated in cells.

NAR stands out for its special issues. The first issue each year focuses on biological databases, while a July issue highlights web-based tools for biology research. These special editions have become valuable resources for researchers worldwide. The journal also offers NAR Methods, an online section dedicated to new research techniques.

The publication fee of $3,992 places NAR in the mid-range among top journals. While there is no free publication option, the journal operates under an open access model, making all published articles freely available to readers. This approach ensures your work reaches the widest possible audience.

NAR accepts various article types across twelve subject categories, from Chemistry and Nucleic Acid Chemistry to Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering. The journal also publishes Critical Reviews and Perspectives, offering researchers multiple ways to share their work. With extensive indexing in more than 40 databases, publication in NAR ensures your research gains visibility across the scientific community.

#14. Chemical Society Reviews

Chemical Society Reviews provides authoritative and accessible reviews that help researchers stay current with chemistry developments. Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry since 1972, this journal has become essential reading for chemists seeking to understand trends and advances across the field.

With a Citescore of 81.3, Chemical Society Reviews demonstrates its value to the chemistry community. The journal’s focus on review articles makes it particularly useful for researchers needing comprehensive overviews of specific topics. These reviews help readers understand complex subjects more easily and identify new research directions.

Chemical Society Reviews stands out for making complex chemistry more approachable through clear writing and helpful visuals. The journal maintains high standards while ensuring content remains accessible to readers with various backgrounds in chemistry.

The publication fee of $4,000 with a free publication option available reflects the journal’s commitment to both quality and accessibility. For researchers looking to Submit Manuscript tofluential review articles that will be widely read and cited, Chemical Society Reviews offers an excellent platform.

#15. Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Angewandte Chemie International Edition has served as one of chemistry’s most prestigious and influential journals since its English-language edition launched in 1962. The journal publishes groundbreaking research across all chemistry disciplines, maintaining exceptional scientific standards while emphasizing work with broad appeal and transformative potential.

With an impact factor of 16.1, Angewandte Chemie publishes innovative research in organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and theoretical chemistry. The journal is particularly known for work featuring novel synthetic methodologies, unusual molecular structures, or creative chemical approaches to significant problems. Angewandte Chemie balances fundamental chemistry advances with applied research that demonstrates practical implications.

Angewandte Chemie maintains a selective peer review process with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%. The editorial team evaluates submissions based on originality, significance, and scientific soundness. The journal offers exceptionally rapid publication for Communications—concise reports of significant findings that undergo expedited review and production processes—often appearing online within weeks of submission.

Publication in Angewandte Chemie costs around $5,790 for open access articles. The journal places particular emphasis on graphical abstracts and visual presentation, helping authors communicate complex chemical concepts effectively through professional design assistance. For chemists, publication in Angewandte Chemie represents recognition from the chemical community and ensures high visibility across all chemistry disciplines.

#16. Nature Genetics

Nature Genetics leads genetic research publishing, offering a platform for the most important discoveries in the field. As part of the prestigious Nature family of journals, it maintains the high standards and visibility that researchers expect from the Nature brand.

Nature Genetics focuses on publishing groundbreaking research about the genetic basis of diseases and traits. The journal covers a wide range of topics, from human disease genetics to agricultural genomics and the evolution of gene networks. Its scope includes both experimental research and computational approaches to understanding genetic information.

The journal’s Citescore of 56.3 reflects its focused but highly influential position in the field. Papers published in Nature Genetics often represent major advances that shape future research directions. The editorial team selects work based on significance, novelty, and interest to the broader genetics community.

With the highest publication fee among our featured journals at $12,690, Nature Genetics represents a significant investment. However, the free publication option helps make the journal more accessible to researchers with limited funding. For those working on genetic discoveries with broad implications, publication in Nature Genetics can bring unmatched visibility and recognition.

#17. Nature Medicine

Nature Medicine specializes in publishing exceptional research at the intersection of basic science and clinical medicine. Launched in 1995 as part of the prestigious Nature family, it quickly established itself as the premier journal for translational medical research—studies that bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.

With a remarkable impact factor of 91.9 Nature Medicine focuses on research that offers new insights into disease mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, or therapeutic strategies. The journal is particularly known for publishing breakthrough studies in immunotherapy, precision medicine, gene therapy, and emerging infectious diseases. Nature Medicine’s influence extends from laboratory scientists to clinicians and pharmaceutical researchers.

Nature Medicine maintains rigorous editorial standards with an acceptance rate of approximately 8%. The journal prioritizes studies that demonstrate direct relevance to human health, often featuring translational research that connects molecular mechanisms to disease outcomes. Editors look for conceptual novelty alongside methodological rigor, particularly valuing studies that challenge existing medical paradigms or offer new therapeutic approaches.

At $12,690 the publication fee reflects Nature Medicine’s premium positioning. The journal offers extensive editorial support, including professional graphics assistance and careful manuscript editing that enhances clarity without compromising scientific complexity. For translational researchers, publication in Nature Medicine represents extraordinary recognition of work that bridges the “bench-to-bedside” continuum.

#18. Journal of Clinical Oncology

The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) stands as the definitive publication in cancer research and clinical oncology. Established in 1983 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, JCO has become the most influential journal for clinical cancer research, shaping treatment protocols and oncology practice worldwide.

With an exceptional impact factor of 42.1, JCO publishes practice-changing clinical trials, innovative therapeutic approaches, and comprehensive reviews across all oncology specialties. The journal is particularly known for landmark studies that establish new standards of care in cancer treatment. JCO covers the full spectrum of clinical oncology, including solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, cancer prevention, survivorship, and palliative care.

JCO maintains a rigorous peer review process with an acceptance rate of approximately 12%. The editorial team prioritizes methodological quality, clinical significance, and potential to improve cancer outcomes. The journal is especially valued for publishing definitive phase III clinical trials that directly influence treatment guidelines and regulatory approvals for new cancer therapies.

Publication in JCO costs around $5,500, with discounts available for members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The journal’s influence extends beyond academic oncology to community practice, with published studies rapidly incorporated into clinical guidelines and treatment protocols.

19. Nature Materials

Nature Materials stands as a premier journal in materials science research, offering a platform for groundbreaking discoveries that span the entire spectrum of materials science and engineering. Published monthly by Springer Nature since 2002, this prestigious journal has established itself as an essential resource for researchers working at the intersection of materials development, characterization, and application.

Nature Materials takes a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together research from across traditional boundaries. The journal covers everything from structural materials like metals and ceramics to organic materials, biomaterials, and nanoscale processes. This wide-ranging focus helps build a common identity among materials scientists while encouraging researchers to venture beyond their specialized fields.

With a remarkable CiteScore of 55.5, Nature Materials demonstrates its enormous influence on scientific advancement. The journal attracts high-impact research that not only pushes theoretical boundaries but also addresses practical applications with real-world impact. Its editorial process maintains exceptional standards, contributing to its reputation as one of the most selective and prestigious journals in the field.

The publication fee of $12,690 is substantial, reflecting the journal’s premium positioning. However, the availability of open access options ensures that groundbreaking research can reach a global audience without access barriers. The journal offers fee waivers for researchers from certain countries and those facing financial constraints, balancing excellence with accessibility.

Nature Materials particularly values research that bridges fundamental science with technological applications. The journal seeks work that demonstrates significant advances in materials synthesis, processing, structure, properties, or performance. Its focus on materials “designed or manipulated for technological ends” emphasizes the practical dimension of materials science research.

#20. Nature Communications

Nature Communications has emerged as a leading multidisciplinary, open-access journal that publishes high-quality research from all areas of the natural sciences. Launched in 2010 as part of the Nature portfolio, it provides a venue for important advances that may not meet the extreme significance threshold of Nature itself but still represent substantial contributions to their fields.

With an impact factor of 14.7, Nature Communications publishes research across biology, physics, chemistry, earth sciences, and related disciplines. The journal emphasizes technical quality and solid conceptual advances rather than requiring the exceptional novelty demanded by Nature. This approach has made Nature Communications a popular choice for researchers with strong findings that benefit from the prestige of the Nature brand while facing somewhat less extreme competition.

Nature Communications maintains a selective review process with an acceptance rate of approximately 12%. The editorial team evaluates submissions based on technical rigor, conceptual clarity, and significance within their specific fields. Unlike many field-specific journals, Nature Communications particularly values interdisciplinary work that crosses traditional boundaries, making it ideal for collaborative research teams.

As an open-access journal, Nature Communications charges a publication fee of $6,990. While substantial, this investment ensures research is freely available to readers worldwide, maximizing citation potential and research impact. The journal offers fee assistance for researchers from developing countries, supporting global scientific participation. For scientists seeking broad visibility, Nature Communications provides the reach of the Nature portfolio combined with the accessibility of open-access publishing.