Journals for Multidisciplinary Research
Selecting venues for work that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries
Multidisciplinary work fits journals explicitly oriented toward cross-field research, generalist scientific journals, or specialty journals where the work's primary discipline anchors. The choice depends on which audience the work most needs to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are multidisciplinary journals less prestigious?
Sometimes, in reputation terms, but not as a quality marker. Some multidisciplinary venues (PLOS ONE, Scientific Reports) are widely cited and indexed. The prestige varies by field.
Should I split the paper into discipline-specific articles?
Sometimes, when the disciplinary contributions are genuinely separate. Avoid 'salami slicing' for multiple publications without distinct contributions; reviewers detect it.
How do I frame an introduction for multiple audiences?
Start with the audience the journal most directly addresses, then bridge briefly to other disciplines. The introduction should not be equally accessible to everyone; it should be clear to the journal's primary readership.
Will reviewers from one discipline understand the other?
Sometimes not. Address potential misunderstandings preemptively in the methods section; explain unfamiliar concepts briefly. Suggesting reviewers from each discipline (where the system allows) helps.
Is generalist top-tier worth attempting?
If the work has truly broad implications, yes. Acceptance is unlikely (under 10%), but the visibility of acceptance is high. Submit to one generalist top-tier first; have specialty venues ready as alternatives.