The 1990s saw significant changes in the field of environmental awareness and conservation. In 1990, for the first time, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlighted the need to address climate change. During the decade, the Earth Summit took place, culminating in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, which led to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Climate Change Agreement. In 1995, the Kyoto Protocol was proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the decade also had its share of challenges, such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, which, although it occurred early on, had environmental impacts felt even early in the decade. In 1997, the El Niño weather effect caused widespread disruption, highlighting the importance of the interconnectedness of global climate systems. Despite these challenges, conservation efforts gained momentum, such as the establishment of new national parks and a greater focus on innovative energy technologies. By the end of the decade, there was a large increase in public communication of environmental issues, laying the foundation for conservation efforts in the 21st century.
The 1990s marked an important era for Nature, leading to significant changes and advancements both domestically and internationally. During this period, significant steps were taken in using email and electronic systems for article management, ushering in a new era of capacity and accessibility. Additionally, Nature established its first website, making its mark in the digital sphere. As the journal grew its global footprint, its first office was established in Australia in 1996, signaling a commitment towards greater dissemination and external dialogue. Notably, Nature also moved into the convention arena, holding its first event in South Korea in 1997. The establishment of a Russian bureau in 1993 also further evidenced its commitment to global circulation, as did the monthly edition in the country, which it held until 1997. This monthly edition consisted of 128 black-and-white pages, with a peak circulation of 3,500, indicating a growing readership base. However, the closure of the Russian edition generated excitement, questioning its importance in the scientific community. Collaborative efforts with Russia finalized a special edition of the journal Priroda Science, featuring a curated selection of Nature’s best papers, representing the international reach and collaborative spirit of the journal. A comprehensive relocation of New York was proposed in 1996, however, the idea was ultimately abandoned, given the complexities of conscience and ideas presented in its communication.
The search for life and habitable planets in space continued to fascinate the scientific community in the 1990s. Inspired, in 1992 Alexander Volshan and Dale Friel confirmed the existence of two minor planets orbiting the pulsar, the first recognized discovery of exoplanets. Scientists used new methods, such as measuring the Doppler shift in radio emissions, to estimate the microgravity produced by heliospheric bodies, opening the way to unprecedented discoveries. Specifically, in 1995, scientists Michael Mayer and Didier Queloz of the University of Geneva discovered 51 Pegasi b, a Jupiter-sized exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star. This amazing discovery, shown in the artist’s impression, presented interesting possibilities for space life. It is characterized by its proximity to its parent star and its rapid rotation, with a period only one-seventh that of Earth in terms of the Sun, and a period of just four Earth days. Subsequent advances in observational techniques and types have led to the discovery of approximately 4,000 exoplanets so far, fueling hope and thought about Indian and apparently unprecedented discoveries.
The 1990s provided a period of intense growth and exploration for the natural and scientific community. From pioneering advances in digital manuscript management to expanding global reach through international offices and conferences, Nature demonstrates its commitment to innovation and collaboration. Over time, the discovery of exoplanets and extraterrestrial life continues to capture the imagination of researchers, creating new knowledge of the universe. As this time moves humanity into even deeper regions of uncharted space exploration, the legacy of the 1990s serves as a legacy of the intelligence, curiosity, and perseverance that drove scientific research forward.
Following earlier international expansions, Nature used a serial supplement in the 1990s to highlight scientific and technological advances in different countries. The significant fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 generated rapid changes in the eastern countries of the Eastern Bloc, leading Nature to quickly publish the supplement “Science in Eastern Europe” in 1990. This edition delved deeper into the freshness of emerging possibilities in the region, reflecting a sense of the upcoming change and expectations. Subsequently, in 1992, “Science in Japan” was the main focus, examining needed reforms in the country’s research landscape. The supplement aimed to promote self-reflection and dialogue about Japan’s scientific conduct on the global stage, reflecting Nature’s commitment to fostering dialogue on global scientific developments.
Continuing its investigative journey, Nature turned its attention to China in 1995 with the publication of the supplement “Science in China”. Against the backdrop of the Imperial State’s ambitious five-year development plan, this edition carefully unpacked China’s scientific ambitions and the potential implications for the global scientific community. Additionally, Nature turned its attention to Australia, as evidenced by the 1995 supplement “Science in Australia”. Delving deep into the vast expanse of the Australian Outback, this edition champions the country’s scientific potential, particularly highlighting the spectacular radio telescopes spread across its landscape. Through this supplement, Nature delivers a deep voice of confidence, confirming that Australian science stands on strong ground, and is ready for further growth and innovation.
In the midst of these field explorations, Nature dedicated itself to its own legacy and development with an important “Leading of Ignorance” special issue in 1994, which corresponded at the time to the journal’s 6,501st issue. In a bold opening declaration, the introductory article declares, “It has been a wonderful century of scientific enterprise,” which sets the stage for a self-reflexive re-conversation. Acknowledging its humble origins, Nature accidentally acknowledged its additive transformation into a scientific journal. However, the focus quickly turned to the future, highlighting the problem from most viewpoints and raising thought-provoking questions about the unsolved mysteries facing science. From pondering the future of an expanding universe to exploring the origins of life and the nature of the human mind, Nature’s annual memoir editions stimulated thought and curiosity, reasserting the adequacy of scientific research.
Without a doubt, the gaze of nature moved beyond simply observation, taking into account the journey of four decades of scientific discovery. In a section titled “Endless Frontiers”, the magazine tackled the critical consequences of the discursive meaning of DNA and the ubiquitous presence of silicon chips. On the backdrop of these transformative milestones, along with the incorporation of the study of natural synonyms, Nature asked a question: What further important discoveries of meaning might lie ahead? As humanity stood on the cusp of unprecedented technological progress, the magazine embellished with disregard for achievement in line with conventional scientific revolutions. Whether navigating the mysterious realms of quantum mechanics or challenging the Newtonian paradigm, the nature narrative marked a relentless pursuit of knowledge, heralding a new era of scientific exploration.
In 1995, following Nature’s 125th anniversary edition, the Maddux era came to an end and Philip Campbell was appointed as the prestigious journal’s eighth editor. Maddux bid farewell with his final editorial, ‘Validation from an Old Hand’, in which he expertly infused narrative with argument. He addresses a number of important issues, such as the acceptance of often unrefined articles, the confidentiality of the peer review process, scientific ethics, and the challenge of communicating science in clear English, questioning whether uncertainty comes from insecurity. Campbell’s initial editorial, ‘Postscript from a New Hand’, acknowledged Maddux’s concerns and promised to invest resources in increasing the readability of Nature’s content. He assured the magazine’s readers of its scientific excellence and journalistic impact, and promised to maintain that reputation. In 1996, Maddux was knighted for his services in recognition of his significant contributions. That same year, a retrospective book A Bedside Nature, edited by Walter Gretzer, was published, commemorating Maddux’s legacy.
In 1995, there was a significant change for the first time in Nature’s history when it was no longer wholly owned by the Macmillan family or ‘House of Macmillan’. Verlagrupe Jörg von Holtzbrinck, a German-origin family company, purchased a 71% stake in Macmillan Publishers in June. This acquisition meant that Nature was now owned by a foreign entity. However, some felt the consolation that the company was private and not publicly listed, thereby reducing concerns about shareholder pressures, represented a break from the long-standing tradition of family ownership. Holtsbrinck’s acquisition of Macmillan was completed in 1999, further strengthening the magazine’s ties to its new parent company.
The physical relocation of Nature’s office occurred in 1995, coinciding with the change in ownership. Previously located in Little Essex Street, the magazine’s headquarters were moved to Crinan Street in King’s Cross, London. This change reflects not only a change in ownership but also a restructuring of the functional structure. The new space provides a fresh environment for the Nature team, handling potential collaborations and promoting efficiency in editorial processes. Despite the transfer, the essence of Nature remained the same, a dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and maintaining editorial integrity.
Through these changes, Nature maintained its commitment to excellence and innovation in scientific publishing. The journal served as a forum for thoughtful discussion and primary research within the global scientific community. As the landscape of scientific publishing has changed, Nature has had to adjust to meet the challenges and opportunities it faces, ensuring its continuation in a sustainable and impactful world. Under Campbell’s leadership, Nature begins a new chapter, building on its renowned legacy and embracing the opportunities of the future.
In the dynamic landscape of scientific publishing, the 1990s marked a significant change for Nature, which holds the first position among scientific journals. During this period, the journal experienced a dynamic growth, reflecting the rapidly increasing pace of scientific research. In 1988, Nature received approximately 6,000 papers while publishing approximately 1,000 papers, indicating an amazing underlying research outpouring. To handle the growth of primary applications and accommodate additional growth for publications, an electronic tracking system was proposed in 1990. This innovative system helped management streamline the process from application to publication, increasing efficiency and transparency in the editing process. Subsequently, the integration of email into the magazine’s operations in 1995 increasingly promoted communication and collaboration between authors, editors, and reviewers, establishing a more dynamic exchange of ideas and feedback.
As technology advanced, Natural adopted digital platforms as a way to disseminate scientific knowledge to a global audience. In 1995, the journal published its first CD-ROM archive, taking an important step in digitizing its large repository of global scientific literature. This important development not only expanded the reach of the journal but also increased the democratic use of scientific information, transcending geographic and institutional restrictions. Additionally, the launch of Nature Science Updates in 1995 reaffirmed the journal’s resolve to provide timely and informative news coverage, further cementing its position as a trusted source in scientific journalism.
The year 1998 was a milestone in the important context of natural resources when Nature underwent a comprehensive digital revamp with the revamping of nature.com. This revitalized platform provided readers with simple access to full-text articles and advanced multimedia content, revolutionizing the landscape of scientific publishing. By embracing digital innovation, Nature has positioned itself at the mainstream of the digital revolution, opening the way for a new era of scientific communication and collaboration. Additionally, the establishment of Nature’s first press site in 1999 re-promoted the need to foster positive interactions with journalists and encourage effective science communication. This specialized platform served as a fundamental resource for journalists, providing them access to press releases, media resources, and expert assistance, enabling them to ensure accurate and informed reporting on scientific developments and discoveries.
Along with these transformative developments in scientific publishing, the launch of Dolly, the cloned sheep, in 1997 rekindled the collective imagination and provoked passionate debates around the ethics and consequences of cloning technology. Dolly was created by Ian Willamute of the Rosslyn Institute, a watershed moment in technology, demonstrating the possibility of cloning mammals from adult cells. Although Dolly was not the first cloned mammal, her birth marked a new direction in regenerative biology, bringing new interest and scrutiny into the potential applications and ethical doubts of cloning technology. Additionally, Dolly’s emergence reflects the important role of scientific research in pushing the boundaries of science and challenging societal norms, thereby inspiring deep reflection on ethical, religious, and scientific decisions.
The 1990s marked a transitional period for scientific publishing, particularly the growth of the journal Nature. In this decade, the magazine underwent several significant changes, resulting in its transformation into a modern format, including the notable addition of several special features. One of the important additions was that of “Futures” – a series of science fiction or narrative prose stories intended to allow writers to express modern issues as well as social concerns, while making predictions about the future. Instead of. This innovative initiative provided a unique platform for writers to explore modern issues, exploring social concerns from the perspective of candid prose. Along with “Futures”, the magazine increased the diversity of its content through covers on a variety of topics. Including those presented non-professionally, they discussed topics such as immunology, allergies, science in Latin America, and career-related specialties. These, including those presented atypically, enriched the magazine’s offerings and catered to the diverse interests of its readers.
The 1990s saw significant scientific progress in various scientific disciplines, which further shaped the content and direction of the journal Nature. Major discoveries, such as the reclassification of Australopithecus ramidus (later Ardipithecus ramidus) in 1994 as the oldest known hominin, and the identification in 1998 of an Indonesian population of coelacanth fish that had previously been thought extinct, two discoveries Emphasized the importance of this era in archeology and biology. In addition, medical research such as the total synthesis of taxol in 1994, which was a significant development in anticancer drug production, and the cloning of the “obese” gene, emphasized the journal’s reporting of traditional scientific achievements. These have profound implications for human health and well-being.
The 1990s also saw the expansion of the Nature publishing house’s portfolio, through the launch of specialist nature journals for particular scientific topics. This diversity strategy began with the introduction of Nature Genetics in 1992, which became known as Nature Structural Biology (now Nature Structural & Molecular Biology) in 1994, Nature Medicine in 1995, and Nature Biotechnology (originally Bio /technology). Subsequent additions included Nature Neuroscience in 1998 and Nature Cell Biology in 1999. The proliferation of these specialist journals, born of the success and expertise of Nature, quickly developed distinct identities, providing authors with more editorial space and focusing on narrower areas of research. The expansion of circulation of these sister journals reflects Nature’s adaptability and response to the changing needs of the scientific community, ensuring comprehensive coverage across diverse areas of science.
In 1999, due to increased organization of the world of scientific publishing and increasing demand for specialist content, the scientific publishing scene faced significant consolidation. The organization arose from the merger of Stockton Press, publisher of specialist academic journals such as Oncogene, and Macmillan Magazines, publisher of Nature and its associated titles. The formation of Nature Publishing Group was a strategic response to the changing dynamics of the publishing industry, to create synergy between different publications, while maintaining the editorial integrity and scholarship associated with the Nature brand. This important moment not only ensured operational efficiency but also strengthened Nature’s position in the scientific community as a leading publisher with the ability to maintain its commitment to excellence in scientific communication in a rapidly changing scientific landscape.