Natural Computing refers to computational processes observed in nature, and human-designed computing inspired by nature. When complex natural phenomena are analyzed in terms of computational processes, our understanding of both nature and the essence of computation is enhanced. Characteristic for human-designed computing inspired by nature is the metaphorical use of concepts, principles and mechanisms underlying natural systems. Natural computing includes evolutionary algorithms, neural networks, molecular computing and quantum computing. The journal Natural Computing provides a forum for discovery in natural computing, offering links among researchers and insight into trends in an emerging specialty. The journal reports on theory, experiments, and applications, and covers natural computing from a very broad perspective, including use of algorithms to consider evolution as a computational process, and neural networks in light of computational trends in brain research. Now indexed in ISI. Explores computational processes observed in nature, and human-designed computing inspired by nature Offers valuable insights into both natural sciences and computer science Reports on theory, experiments, and applications, covering natural computing from a broad perspective