Nature Index

Scientists are under increasing pressure to perform a variety of tasks earlier in their careers.

Although China leads the pack, fast-moving institutions are building their research reputations the world over.

The young universities whose growth in high-quality research surpasses their peers.

A lack of trained administrators is holding African scientists back.

Even sophisticated, data-driven models of academic careers have trouble forecasting the highs and lows.

These newcomers are making their mark in science across the disciplines.

The global proliferation of Earth and environmental datasets opens new avenues for discovery.

By modelling the course of climate change, scientists are building an arsenal to prepare for its impact.

Collaboration following the Fukushima disaster led to discoveries that could improve management of bluefin tuna.

A mutually beneficial collaboration between a water company and a small applied science university yields an innovative and sustainable treatment.

Top 5 Earth and environmental science articles by Altmetric Score from 2012 to 2017.

The scale of growth in cities challenges scientists and policy-makers.

Interdisciplinary encounters across the geosciences are yielding new insights into the workings of Earth and beyond.

Academic reward structures discourage the pursuit of vital research.

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

Urgent environmental problems central to national well-being jostle for the attention of China’s scientists as they strive to produce research with global prestige.

A graphic representation shows how Japan’s production of natural-science papers has fallen but some institutions shine.

Gakushuin University is the top-ranking institution when assessed on the quality of its research in the natural sciences.

Continuing decline in Japan’s research performance bodes ill for the country’s ambition to become a ‘super-smart’ society.