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— CH. 1 · FOUNDING AND EVOLUTION —

BioScience

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • The American Institute of Biological Sciences launched a publication called the AIBS Bulletin in 1951. This monthly periodical served as a communication channel for biologists throughout the early years of its existence. The bulletin continued until 1963 when it ceased operations. In 1964, the institute established BioScience to replace that earlier effort. The new journal adopted a monthly schedule and began publishing peer-reviewed content immediately. This transition marked a shift from general updates to formal scientific discourse within the biological community.

  • Oxford University Press assumed management responsibilities for BioScience starting in 2019. Prior to this date, the American Institute of Biological Sciences handled all production duties directly. The partnership changed how the journal distributed its issues to subscribers worldwide. Oxford University Press brought its global distribution network to the publication. This arrangement allowed the journal to reach a broader audience while maintaining its editorial independence under the institute's oversight.

  • BioScience publishes literature reviews covering current research across various branches of biology. Authors submit essays discussing education strategies or public policy matters affecting the field. The journal also features sections dedicated to the history of biology and theoretical debates among scientists. These diverse formats allow researchers to explore topics beyond standard experimental results. Readers find discussions on how biological science intersects with societal needs through these written contributions.

  • MEDLINE and PubMed began abstracting the journal between 1973 and 1979. This inclusion made articles more accessible to medical professionals and life science researchers globally. BIOSIS Previews added the title to its database shortly after other major indexes accepted it. The Science Citation Index and Current Contents/Agriculture Biology & Environmental Sciences also listed the publication. The Zoological Record included entries from BioScience for zoology-focused content. These indexing decisions ensured that the journal remained discoverable by academic libraries and individual scholars.

  • Journal Citation Reports assigned an impact factor of 8.589 to BioScience in 2020. This number reflects how often articles published in the previous two years were cited by other works. High citation rates indicate strong influence within the biological sciences community. Researchers frequently reference this journal when writing new papers on related topics. The metric demonstrates the publication's standing as a significant voice in modern scientific literature.

Common questions

When did the American Institute of Biological Sciences launch BioScience?

The American Institute of Biological Sciences established BioScience in 1964 to replace its earlier publication called the AIBS Bulletin. The institute had published the bulletin from 1951 until it ceased operations in 1963.

Who manages BioScience journal as of 2019?

Oxford University Press assumed management responsibilities for BioScience starting in 2019. Prior to this date, the American Institute of Biological Sciences handled all production duties directly while maintaining editorial oversight.

What types of content does BioScience publish?

BioScience publishes literature reviews covering current research across various branches of biology along with essays on education strategies and public policy matters. The journal also features sections dedicated to the history of biology and theoretical debates among scientists.

Which databases began abstracting BioScience between 1973 and 1979?

MEDLINE and PubMed began abstracting the journal between 1973 and 1979 to make articles more accessible globally. BIOSIS Previews added the title shortly after other major indexes including the Science Citation Index listed the publication.

What impact factor did Journal Citation Reports assign to BioScience in 2020?

Journal Citation Reports assigned an impact factor of 8.589 to BioScience in 2020. This number reflects how often articles published in the previous two years were cited by other works within the biological sciences community.