Reference Modules Brochure
Springer Nature Reference Modules: Authoritative foundational knowledge, essential for every library, accessible to every student and researcher.
Reference Modules
Foundational knowledge that keeps pace with discovery
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Prepared for you
Foundational Knowledge
The place research starts
A Springer Nature Reference is a great place to begin any research, whether readers are new to the subject, specialists or working across disciplines.
Written and curated by internationally renowned experts, references clearly present established academic concepts, providing researchers with a foundation of knowledge on which to build.
Each reference entry links to the primary and secondary sources so, researchers can follow the information trail and continue to develop their understanding.
Globally Valued Resource
Our Editors-in-Chief work with over 100,000 invited authors to provide foundational knowledge on which all your library users can build.
The broadest coverage on a given subject
Online-first dynamic publishing means current, up-to-date information
Covers contemporary issues with a multidisciplinary approach
Globally written, read and cited
High usage content: Reference titles are downloaded 5 times more than secondary resources
5 Subject Modules
Biomedical & Life Sciences
Computer Science & Engineering
Humanities & Social Sciences
Medicine
Physical & Materials Science
Springer Nature References are available in 5 subject modules. Each module includes titles across all copyright years and can be licensed as either a 12-month access only subscription or with continuing access.

springernature.com/references
Living Research
During development a Springer Nature Reference is available as a digital Living Edition, providing a dynamic, constantly growing edition with curated entries. Delivered using an industry-first publishing model, researchers can access the content well in advance of the final work.
What is a Living Ediion?
A dynamic, real-time snapshot of entries from a reference work in development delivered using an industry-first publishing model. Providing the latest and most up-to-date content well in advance of the final printed work.
- Fully discoverable and citable with own DOI
- Rigorous editorial process of manuscript preparation, review, revision and acceptance
- The most authoritative and up-to-date information on the subject
Where are you seeing most demand for reference resources?
- Biomedical & Life Science
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Physical & Materials Science
Embracing new areas of research to publish the first reference works in emerging fields.
How is a Springer Nature Reference created?
springernature.com/references
Biomedical & Life Science
274 References including 103 Living Editions
Biomedical & Life Sciences
A diverse portfolio covering a board range of specialist topics concerning life, organisms and medical theory, in detail.
The collection includes an impressive range of titles that are highly cited and used.
World-renowned contributors
- William G. Kaelin, 2019 American Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
- C. Frank Bennett, 2019 Breakthrough Prize winner in Life Sciences
- James P. Allison, 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine
- Michael Nip Hall, 2017 Lasker Award, Breakthrough
Sustainable Development Goals
Springer Nature References support the work tackling the world's biggest challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Biomedical & Life Sciences specifically cover:
- Zero hunger
- Good health & well-being
- Responsible consumption & production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
Computer Science & Engineering
216 References including 90 Living Editions
Computer Science & Engineering
Encompassing computer science, engineering, energy and mathematics, this module provides the ideal starting point for research in these distinct yet interrelated fields of study.
The collection includes an impressive range of titles that are highly cited and used.
World-renowned contributors
- Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Chief Strategy Officer of the European Space Agency
- Naohiro Yoshida, Clair C. Patterson Award (2020)
- Joseph N. Pelton, Sir Arthur Clarke Award for lifetime achievement in the field of satellite communications and Pulitzer Prize nominee
- Andrew Y. C. Nee, Gold Medal, US Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Sustainable Development Goals
Springer Nature References support the work tackling the world's biggest challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Computer Science & Engineering specifically cover:
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Climate action
- Responsible consumption and production
Core subjects
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Computer Science
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Engineering
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Energy
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Mathematics
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Statistics
Humanities & Social Sciences
423 References including 197 Living Editions
Humanities & Social Sciences
This module provides comprehensive and interdisciplinary coverage from all fields of the humanities and social sciences.
The collection includes an impressive range of titles that are highly cited and used.
World-renowned contributors
- Ian Hodder, The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to archaeology (2019)
- Augus Deaton, Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2015)
- Jean Tirole, Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2014)
- Lars Peter Hansen, Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2013)
Sustainable Development Goals
Springer Nature References support the work tackling the world's biggest challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Humanities & Social Sciences Reference Module supports Good Health & Well-being, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and Reduced inequalities
Core subjects
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Business & Management
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Criminology & Criminal Justice
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Cultural and Media Studies
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Economics
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Education
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Finances
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History
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Law
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Political Science and International Relations
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Literature
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Linguistics
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Psychology
Medicine
245 References including 108 Living Editions
Medicine
Drawing on the expertise of over 50,000 prestigious authors, giving comprehensive coverage of a range of sub-disciplines.
The collection includes an impressive range of titles that are highly cited and used.
World-renowned contributors
- H. Michael Shepard, Lasker Award (2019)
- James P. Allison, Nobel Prize in Physiology in Medicine (2018), Wolf Prize in Medicine (2017),Lasker Award (2015)
- Nagata Shigekazu, Keio Medical Science Prize (2013)
- J. Robin Warren, Nobel Prize in Physiology in Medicine (2005)
Sustainable Development Goals
Springer Nature References support the work tackling the world's biggest challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Medicine Reference Module specifically covers:
- Good health & well-being
- Quality education
Physical & Materials Science
298 References including 117 Living Editions
Physical & Materials Science
Comprising academic research on non-living systems and material design and discovery, this module provides learners with critical resources.
The collection includes an impressive range of titles that are highly cited and used.
World-renowned contributors
- W. E. Moerner, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2014)
- Adam G. Reiss, Nobel Prize in Physics (2011)
- Albert Fert, Nobel Prize in Physics (2007)
- Peter Grünberg, Nobel Prize in Physics (2007)
- John Mather, Nobel Prize in Physics (2006)
Sustainable Development Goals
Springer Nature References support the work tackling the world's biggest challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Physical & Materials Science Reference Module includes the book series Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it encompasses 17 volumes, each devoted to one of the 17 SDGs.
Core subjects
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environment
- Geography
- Astronomy