Open Biology is committed to fostering excellence and innovation in cell and molecular biology. As part of this mission, we have created a new feature designed to shine a light on standout articles from across cell and molecular biology.
Keeping pace with cutting-edge discoveries in such a vast and interdisciplinary field can be a challenge, which is why Open Biology has created this Spotlight feature - to make it easier to discover exceptional research that rises above traditional boundaries.
What makes the Spotlight feature unique?
Spotlight commentaries are written by our reviewers, offering their expert perspective on research they have evaluated that received the highest scores for both methodological rigor and scientific significance. These commentaries not only underscore the value of the original work but also provide insight into why these findings are impactful and how they connect to broader scientific questions.
Why Spotlight articles matter
Research thrives on cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration, but the sheer volume of published work can make it difficult to stay informed about advances outside your immediate focus. We believe Spotlights will be a valuable resource for researchers at all career stages, and help bridge this gap by:
• Elevating high-impact research: articles featured as a Spotlight are rigorously reviewed and recognised for their exceptional merit and significance.
• Fostering cross-disciplinary understanding: the commentaries make it easier for researchers, authors and educators to appreciate important developments in areas beyond their expertise.
• Building community engagement: by giving voice to reviewers’ perspectives, these articles broaden the sense of community and shared purpose within these disciplines.
Whether you’re diving into a new area of research or simply want to keep up with top-tier studies outside your specialty, Spotlights are your curated guide to the best of Open Biology.
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If you’re a reviewer interested in contributing to this feature, we’d love to hear from you. Keep an eye out for the first batch of commentaries in our Spotlight feature and join us in celebrating remarkable science.
Image caption: A petri dish of e.coli used in synthetic biology research. Credit: Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.