Nature Index in 2017

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at natureindex.com.

For innovation to bring public benefit, mapping the influence of academic papers is just the beginning.

The system for assessing the link between science and innovation is flawed.

Some papers have a profound and obvious influence on future research and industry applications. Patents citing these life science papers indicate their bearing on developments which have widespread health implications.

Trace people, not papers; a new way to measure the impact of science on society.

Organic polymer solar cells are set to revolutionize photovoltaic technology. Five of the world's leaders in the field are at the same institution

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at natureindex.com

Psychology is an increasingly relevant discipline as the destabilizing effects of rapid social change take hold in China.

Efforts to promote and enforce shared research have made progress in China, but there is much room for improvement.

Casting a wider net for excellence in China's higher education system.

The country publishes more articles in materials science than any other nation, but to reap the economic benefits it needs to apply this research.

A fierce public debate over the safety of genetically modified food has put pressure on Chinese researchers to engage with the public about their work.

Some of China's many cities have scientific expertise that complement each other, contributing to a rich and varied research environment.

Female researchers cite their own work less than men. If citations are the currency of science, women are being short-changed

There is much talk about the need for excellence, but is it really what science needs, asks Adrian Barnett

It's time for the academic community to convert words into workplace practice and policy, writes Tim Wess