28 Top Science Magazines and News Outlets [2024 Edition]

By Intelligent Relations Team

February 20, 2023

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Science magazines are some of the most established and trusted sources of information in the world. But in a climate of science hostility, which publications remain at the top?

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and the technology boom, people are more wary about the source of scientific information.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to find the top science magazines providing trusted, updated, and accurate information. 

Our list of the best science magazines and news outlets features the most trusted names in the industry for that reason. Most of what you’ll find on this list will come as no surprise. But it’s always good to know where things stand.

These publications are also known for delivering science to the average consumer in a way that is understandable and digestible. While the occasional scholarly journal appears, we’ve also made sure to add popular science magazines and trusted news outlets with dedicated science sections.

So, whether your target audience comprises experts or consumers, our list is tailored to make sure you can find a pairing that’s right for your PR strategy. 

Our Curated List of the Top Science Magazines and Publications for 2024

Scientific American (@sciam) — One of the oldest and most respected science publications, Scientific American features articles on a wide range of scientific topics, from physics and biology to technology and medicine. Founded in 1845, it is the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States.

Nature (@Nature) — An international weekly journal that publishes the finest peer-reviewed research. Covering all fields of science and tech, the magazine curates content that is original, important, interdisciplinary, timeliness, accessible, elegant, and surprising. 

New Scientist (@newscientist) — New Scientist is a weekly science magazine and website covering the latest developments in science, technology, and the natural world. It’s known for its accessible and engaging writing style and its coverage of the social and political implications of scientific research.

Science (@ScienceMagazine) — Science Magazine is a weekly, peer-reviewed science magazine and journal that publishes significant new scientific research, plus reviews and analyses of current research and science policy.   

The Scientist (@TheScientistLLC) — The Scientist is a magazine and website that covers the latest developments in the life sciences, including new research, technology, and career opportunities in academia and industry.  

Discover Magazine(@DiscoverMag) — Discover Magazine is a popular science magazine that covers a wide range of topics related to science, technology, and the natural world.

The magazine is known for its in-depth reporting and analysis of the latest scientific research, as well as its engaging writing style and high-quality visuals.

Discover Magazine was first published in 1980, and has since become one of the leading science publications in the world.

It covers a wide range of topics, including biology, physics, astronomy, psychology, and technology, and is known for its coverage of cutting-edge research and breakthrough discoveries.

Discover Magazine is available in print and online, and has a large following on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

National Geographic (@NatGeo) — National Geographic is a well-loved science magazine that covers a wide range of scientific and cultural topics, from archaeology and anthropology to photography and travel. People continue to reach for it thanks to its stunning photography and coverage of the natural world and the human experience.

Scientific Reports (@SciReports) — Scientific Reports is an online, open-access scientific mega journal from the publishers of Nature. It covers all areas of the natural and clinical sciences.

Their content is peer reviewed and they rate as the 5th most cited journal in the world as of 2021. 

If you’re looking for a highly visible place to publish your research, Scientific Reports is a great choice. Not only will your research appear on the Nature website, but the journal boasts indexing in the Web of Science, PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, Dimensions, Google Scholar, DOAJ, and SAO/NASA ADS.

The Verge (@verge) — The Verge is a technology and science news website that covers the latest developments in science, technology, and the digital world, with a particular focus on innovation and the intersection of science and culture.  

Popular Science (@PopSci) — Popular Science is another well-loved, top science magazine that covers the latest developments in science, technology, and the natural world. Now, with an accompanying website, you have more opportunities to pitch content with a particular focus on the ways that science and technology are shaping our world and our lives.  

Smithsonian (@smithsonian) —  Published by the Smithsonian Museum, Smithsonian is a science magazine and website, covering a wide range of scientific and cultural topics. From archaeology and anthropology to art and history, Smithsonian has it all. It’s best known for its engaging writing style and its coverage of the latest scientific discoveries and cultural trends.

BBC Science Focus (@sciencefocus) — BBC Science Focus is a magazine and website that covers the latest developments in science, technology, and the natural world, with a particular focus on the ways that science is shaping our world and our lives. 

Wired (@WIRED) -— Wired is a science and technology magazine that covers the latest developments in science, technology, and the digital world. The publication focuses on how rapid tech innovation impacts all areas of life including culture, business, science, and design. 

Wired had a large international readership as a part of the Conde Nast family of publications. They have dedicated websites for the Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Middle Eastern, British, and American markets.

Science News (@ScienceNews) — Founded in 1922, Science News is a weekly magazine that covers a wide range of science topics, including biology, physics, and astronomy. They also publish a daily news website, which covers breaking science news stories. Science News is known for its in-depth coverage and its commitment to making complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public.

Science Daily (@ScienceDaily) — Launched in 1995, Science Daily is a news website that covers a wide range of science topics, including medicine, environmental science, and technology. They publish articles from research institutions and universities around the world and are known for their comprehensive coverage of the latest scientific developments. 

Science Alert (@ScienceAlert) — Science Alert is an online science news platform that covers a wide range of topics, from astronomy to zoology. They also have a strong presence on social media and provide a daily dose of interesting science facts. 

Science X Network (@sciencex_com) — Science X is an online science news platform.They are known for their coverage of cutting-edge research and technology, as well as their commitment to making science accessible to a wide audience. 

Science Friday (@scifri) — Science Friday is a weekly radio program that covers a wide range of science topics, from biology to physics. They also have a strong online presence, with a website and social media accounts that feature the latest news in the science industry.

Science Codex (@sciencecodex) — Science Codex is an online news service that covers a wide range of science topics, including medicine, environmental science, and technology. They publish articles from research institutions and universities around the world and are known for their comprehensive coverage of the latest scientific developments. 

Quanta Magazine (@QuantaMagazine) — A partnership between the Simons Foundation and the New York Times, this publication focuses on physics, mathematics, and computer science and is known for its in-depth coverage of cutting-edge research.

Nautilus (@NautilusMag) — Nautilus is an independent science magazine and is known for its visually stunning design. This publication covers a wide range of scientific and philosophical topics, including physics, biology, psychology, and philosophy.

Aeon (@aeonmag) — Published in both English and German, this top science magazine covers a wide range of scientific and philosophical topics, including physics, biology, psychology, and philosophy. It’s sister magazine, Psyche, covers topics relating to the human condition.

Science Progress (@SciProgress) — Science Progress is an independent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting sound science policy. Their publication covers a wide range of topics related to science and technology. 

Popular Mechanics (@PopMech) — Popular Mechanics is yet another well-loved, monthly science publication that is known for its coverage of consumer technology and DIY projects. They cover a wide range of topics related to science, technology, and engineering.

The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) — The Atlantic is a respected magazine that covers a wide range of topics presented as full-feature stories. For our purposes here, the important thing is that they have a dedicated science section that covers a wide range of scientific topics. It’s here that you can find Atlantic features showcasing the latest research and the impact of science on society.

The New Yorker (@NewYorker) — Like The Atlantic, The New Yorker is a cultural magazine that has a dedicated science section. Their stories range from features on the latest research to the impact of science on society and policy.

The Guardian (@guardian) — The Guardian is a newspaper with a dedicated science section that focuses on the intersection of science and society. They publish the latest science news and op-eds on topics ranging from space to health to climate change. They also host a biweekly science podcast called Science Weekly that provides listeners with the latest science and environmental news. 

Cosmos (@CosmosMagazine) — Published in Australia, Cosmos is a science magazine that delivers content on the science of everything, from science news, stories, discoveries, to expert analysis. Cosmos’s science journalists also host a podcast called “Huh? Science Explained” in cooperation with LiSTNR twice a week.

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise that the average, modern consumer is looking for unimpeachable accuracy from trusted sources when it comes to science journalism. 

That’s why our list of science magazines and publications features the best of the best. Publications that cover everything from technology and engineering to science policy and the intersection of science and culture. 

With PR placement in one of these top science magazines, you’re sure to find the right readership for a successful campaign. 

For access to more publications tailored to your specific business activity, book a free consultation with us. You’ll get AI-assisted, expert insight into how to improve your PR efforts!