表面科學報告包含了邀請的評論論文，關于物理、化學和表面、界面和納米結構的開創性應用的實驗和理論研究。它涵蓋了有助于更好地理解發生在表面和界面上的基本現象的主題，以及這些知識在材料、工藝和設備開發中的應用。本雜志定義的“表面”包括固體、液體、聚合物、生物材料、納米結構、軟物質、氣體和/或真空之間的所有界面。該雜志還包括了用于表征表面和表面過程的實驗技術和方法的綜述，例如基于光子、電子和離子與表面的相互作用的技術和方法。

Surface Science Reports contains invited review papers on experimental and theoretical studies in the physics, chemistry and pioneering applications of surfaces, interfaces and nanostructures. It covers topics which contribute to a better understanding of basic phenomena occurring on surfaces and interfaces, but also the application of this knowledge to the development of materials, processes and devices. "Surfaces" is defined in this journal to include all interfaces between solids, liquids, polymers, biomaterials, nanostructures, soft matter, gases and/or vacuum. The journal also contains reviews of experimental techniques and methods used to characterize surfaces and surface processes, e.g. those based upon the interactions of photons, electrons and ions with surfaces.