Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
Nature Neuroscience Impact Factor 2025
Nature Neuroscience Impact Factor 2025 is 24.1 (Q1, Neurosciences, SCIE). Since 1998, this journal has chronicled the most important advances in brain science, from molecular synaptic mechanisms to systems-level circuit mapping and neurodegenerative disease research.
NEUROSCIENCE LEADERSHIPThe 24.1 Metric in Context
Neuroscience is one of the most competitive journal landscapes in biomedicine. With dozens of high-quality specialty journals vying for the best papers, achieving a 2025 Impact Factor of 24.1 confirms Nature Neuroscience as the premier venue for primary neuroscience research. The journal competes not only with other Nature Portfolio titles but with Cell Press’s Neuron (IF ~14) and society journals like the Journal of Neuroscience.
What sustains this metric is the journal’s willingness to publish across the full scope of neuroscience. A single issue might contain a paper on optogenetic circuit mapping in mice, a human neuroimaging study linking brain structure to behavior, and a molecular investigation of amyloid pathology. This breadth ensures a diverse citation base, no single subfield dominates the reference list, insulating the Impact Factor from the ups and downs of any particular research trend.
CITATION DYNAMICSWhy Neuroscience Papers Cite Differently
Neuroscience has a distinctive citation culture. Unlike fields where papers spike immediately and fade, neuroscience articles often accumulate citations gradually over many years. A methods paper describing a new viral tracing tool, or a study establishing a transgenic model, can generate hundreds of citations over a decade. This extended half-life explains why Nature Neuroscience’s CiteScore of 32.5 significantly exceeds its two-year Impact Factor of 24.1.
The SJR of 10.8 reflects the prestige weighting of citations. Nature Neuroscience papers are cited by other elite journals including Nature, Science, Cell, and clinical neurology journals, indicating that the research published here influences both basic and translational science.
METRICS OVERVIEWComplete Nature Neuroscience Data
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2025) | 24.1 | JCR 2025; Q1 Neurosciences |
| CiteScore | 32.5 | Scopus 2025 |
| SJR | 10.8 | SCImago 2025 |
| h-index | 485 | Lifetime |
| ISSN | 1097-6256 | Springer Nature |
| Publisher | Springer Nature | Nature Portfolio |
| Established | 1998 | 27 years |
| Primary Category | Neurosciences | JCR Q1 |
| Key Topics | Circuits, cognition, neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment | Broad scope |
| Access | Hybrid OA | Subscription + OA |
FREQUENTLY ASKEDFAQs
What is the Nature Neuroscience Impact Factor for 2025?
24.1, Q1 in Neurosciences.
How does it compare to Neuron?
Nature Neuroscience (IF 24.1) ranks above Neuron (IF ~14). Both are elite, but Nature Neuroscience carries higher citation density and broader scope.
Does it publish clinical neuroscience?
Yes, particularly translational studies linking basic mechanisms to neurological disease. Purely clinical trials are better suited to Brain or Lancet Neurology.
What is the APC?
$11,390 USD for open-access articles, standard Nature Portfolio rate.
Is it indexed in PubMed?
Yes. All articles appear in PubMed/MEDLINE and PubMed Central.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 IF: 24.1 (Q1 Neurosciences) — the premier primary research journal in brain science.
- CiteScore 32.5 exceeds the IF, reflecting neuroscience’s extended citation half-life.
- Broad scope from molecular synapse to systems circuit to neurodegeneration research.
- h-index of 485 demonstrates sustained influence across 27 years of publication.
- Published by Springer Nature; indexed in SCIE, PubMed, Scopus.
