Understanding the Reputation and Scope
Founded in 1980, Neurobiology of Aging has a long-standing history as a premier journal dedicated to the neuroscience of aging. Published by Elsevier, it focuses on the biological mechanisms of age-related nervous system changes and diseases. The journal’s reputation is built on its consistent publication of high-quality research and its rigorous peer-review process, which follows a single-anonymized format. This process ensures that submissions are independently and expertly assessed for scientific quality before a final decision is made by the editors.
Key Metrics and Impact
For researchers, metrics are crucial indicators of a journal's quality and influence. Neurobiology of Aging consistently reports strong metrics that demonstrate its standing in the scientific community. Key metrics include:
- Impact Factor: The 2024 impact factor was 3.3, according to Wikipedia, though Research.com reports a 3.7 impact factor for 2025. These figures place it solidly within the second quartile (Q2) in the Neurosciences and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories, according to Web of Science data.
- CiteScore: ScienceDirect and Editage report a CiteScore around 7.8–8.2, reflecting the average number of citations received per paper published.
- SJR (SCImago Journal Rank): Research.com lists the SCImago SJR as 1.488 for 2025, which ranks it in the first quartile (Q1) for the Aging category.
- H-index: Research.com reports an H-index of 212, while Editage lists it as 205. Both figures are high, indicating a sustained record of influential publications.
Comparing with Other Journals
When deciding where to publish, comparing journals is essential. Here is a brief comparison of Neurobiology of Aging with other notable journals in the field.
| Feature | Neurobiology of Aging | Aging Brain (Open Access) | Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (Open Access) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publisher | Elsevier | Elsevier | Frontiers |
| Model | Subscription | Open Access | Open Access |
| Impact Factor (approx.) | 3.3–3.7 | 2.7 | 4.5 (2016 metric) |
| Focus | Mechanistic research on neural aging and related diseases | Adaptive and healthy neural aging | Broad, multidisciplinary, with a focus on cutting-edge developments |
| Established | 1980 | Complementary to Neurobiology of Aging | 2017 |
This comparison highlights that Neurobiology of Aging remains a prestigious, established subscription-based journal focusing on detailed mechanistic studies. For those prioritizing open-access publishing or a wider scope, other options like Aging Brain or Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience may be more suitable.
Author and Reviewer Experience
Researchers report positive experiences with the journal, often noting the thoroughness of the peer-review process. A good reputation also attracts top scientists and institutions, further enhancing the journal's prestige. Elsevier provides extensive resources for authors, including guides for manuscript preparation and support services. The single-anonymized review process provides unbiased assessment and feedback, which can be invaluable for refining one's work.
Who Should Consider Publishing in Neurobiology of Aging?
This journal is an excellent venue for researchers focused on the intricate, fundamental biological and cellular mechanisms driving the aging process in the nervous system. This includes studies in:
- Biochemistry and molecular biology
- Genetics and proteomics
- Neuropathology of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Pharmacology and therapeutic interventions
- Physiology and endocrinology related to aging
The journal’s editorial board is composed of leading experts in the field, which ensures high-quality and relevant content. Papers that integrate multiple levels of analysis are particularly welcomed by the journal's open-access companion, Aging Brain, but this multi-level approach is also valued by the primary journal for its contributions to understanding the complex etiology of neural aging.
Final Verdict: Is it a Good Journal?
Yes, Neurobiology of Aging is undoubtedly a good journal. Its decades-long history, robust metrics, and focused scope make it a highly respected platform for publishing foundational research on the neurobiology of aging. While its subscription model and focused scope might not suit everyone, for those whose work aligns with its core areas, it offers significant prestige and visibility within the scientific community. Its influence is demonstrated by its high H-index and the high citation rates of its articles.
For additional resources, you can find the journal's official homepage on the publisher's website: Neurobiology of Aging.
Conclusion
For researchers in the field of aging neuroscience, Neurobiology of Aging represents a prestigious and authoritative publication outlet. Its rigorous peer-review process and strong scientific standing ensure that published work is of the highest quality. While other journals offer different publication models (e.g., open access) or broader scopes, Neurobiology of Aging remains a premier destination for mechanistic research on age-related neurological changes.
