Collection Overview 

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Challenges in visualizing macromolecules.

Recent breakthroughs in structural biology have revolutionized our ability to “see” macromolecules in action. X-ray crystallography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) are the three pillars that have been exploited to determine the three-dimensional structure of biological molecules. Each structural technique presents its own distinct set of inherent challenges.

This will be a Collection of original research papers  and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. We are welcoming submissions until 22nd June 2026.

Why is this Collection important?

"Molecular visualisation lies at the heart of how we understand biology.  As we study increasingly dynamic and heterogeneous biological systems, we face challenges from sample preparation, experimental structure determination, integrative modeling, computational prediction, as well as in creating visual representations that allow data to be assessed, compared, and ultimately understood.  This Collection aims to critically examine the conceptual, technical, and interpretive challenges inherent in visualising macromolecules, and to foster new approaches that reflect the complexity of modern molecular science."

- Dr. Danaya Pakotiprapha, Guest Editor

Why submit to a collection?  

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.  

Who is involved?

Guest Editors:

• Prasun Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India
• Danaya Pakotiprapha, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Thailand

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Sumedha Kondekar, Scientific Reports, India
• Commissioning Editor: Ashiya Salim, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Libby Symons, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

How can I submit my paper?

Visit the Collection page for more information on the Collection, and how to submit your article.