What is this collection about?

Light serves not only as the energy source for photosynthesis but also as a critical environmental signal that guides plant growth and development. Through photoreceptors such as phytochromes and cryptochromes, plants respond to changing environmental conditions. In this cross-journal Collection, the editors at Nature Communications, Communications Biology and Scientific Reports invite studies that uncover the mechanisms of light signal transduction and explore how these discoveries can be applied to challenges in food security and climate change. Nature Communications and Communications Biology will consider original Articles, Reviews and Perspectives, while Scientific Reports will consider original Articles.

Why is this collection important?

Research into light signaling provides fundamental insights into plant physiology, development and evolution. Understanding how plants perceive and respond to light can inform strategies for crop improvement and agricultural innovation. This Collection will highlight advances in the field and supports research related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2 (End Hunger), 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).

Why submit to a collection?

Collections like this one help attract and promote high-quality science. They are led by internal In-House Editors and 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?

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.

Communications Biology is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members.

Scientific Reports is managed by in-house professional editors and edited by Editorial Board Members.

Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience.

How can I submit my paper?

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.