Shaping the future of Acta Crystallographica F: unveiling our vision

As one of the Main Editors of Acta Crystallographica F – Structural Biology Communications, I am delighted to share our exciting plans and vision for the future of our journal. Acta Cryst. F has long been a cornerstone in the structural biology community, and our commitment to excellence remains unwavering.

Embracing innovation. In the ever-evolving landscape of scientific publishing, Acta Cryst. F is poised to embrace innovation. We are dedicated to incorporating cutting-edge technologies, data visualization tools and interactive features, such as interviews with authors, to enhance the reader’s experience. Our goal is to create a dynamic platform that not only disseminates research but also fosters engagement and collaboration within the structural biology community.

Diverse and inclusive content. Recognizing the importance of diversity in scientific research, Acta Cryst. F aims to amplify underrepresented voices in structural biology. We will actively seek contributions that reflect a broad spectrum of perspectives, methodologies and applications. By doing so, we hope to enrich the journal’s content and provide a more comprehensive view of the field.

Special issues and focus sections. To address emerging trends and interdisciplinary collaborations, Acta Cryst. F will introduce special issues and focus sections. These thematic collections will delve into specific areas of structural biology, such as fragment screening by X-ray crystallography, artificial intelligence methods for structure prediction and more, showcasing in-depth analyses, reviews and breakthroughs. We encourage researchers to propose topics for these special issues to ensure a wide-ranging coverage of the field.

Enhanced review and publication processes. Recognizing the value of your time and contributions, we are working to streamline our review and publication processes. Our aim is to provide faster and more transparent feedback to authors while maintaining the high standards of quality that Acta Cryst. F is known for.

Engaging with early career researchers. Acta Cryst. F is committed to nurturing the next generation of structural biologists. We will introduce author workshops and dedicated sections for early career researchers. Fostering a supportive environment for budding scientists is crucial for the sustained growth of our field.

Community feedback and involvement. Your input is invaluable. Acta Cryst. F will actively seek feedback from the structural biology community through surveys and social media interactions. We believe that involving our readership in shaping the journal’s direction is fundamental to its success. Moreover, we plan to leverage social media platforms for enhanced visibility and engagement, ensuring that our valuable content reaches a broader audience.

In conclusion, the future of Acta Cryst. F is bright, dynamic and collaborative. We invite you to embark on this journey with us as we work towards advancing structural biology and pushing the boundaries of scientific publishing.

Thank you for your continued support.

This article was originally published in Acta Cryst. (2023). F79, 294.