The polar sciences journal: the past and future of a crucial research instrument

Journals dedicated to the polar sciences have been outliers. Within both history of science and media, they stand out in several ways, including their comparatively late establishment peer-review. It was not until second half 20th century, that journals began carry predominantly peer-reviewed original research rather than synopses published elsewhere. This Perspective piece uses 40th anniversary of Polar Research as an opportunity look at past periodicals—and invites reflection on future.