Collection Overview 

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on The reproductive microbiome.

The reproductive microbiome refers to the complex microbial communities that inhabit the reproductive tracts/organs. Evidence has suggested a key role in reproductive health as microbial imbalances (dysbiosis) have been associated with conditions like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Research in this field often investigates the composition, function, and dysbiosis of the reproductive microbiome, as well as its interactions with the immune system.

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. Narrative review articles are also welcomed, to our sister journal Scientific Reviews. We are welcoming submissions until 2nd September 2026.

Why is this Collection important?

"The reproductive microbiome is an emerging and important area of investigation. Both the male and female reproductive tracts are likely influenced by many factors, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. Understanding the community structures will aid our understanding of fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and fetal programming. This is a novel field whereby microbiome interventions may improve reproductive health and chronic diseases that may have in utero origins. The reproductive microbiome collection impact is in the comprehensive overview of dysbiosis that leads to disease, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes."

- Dr. Jenny Sones, 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:

• Anna-Ursula Happel, University of Cape Town, South Africa
• Fatima Hussain, Tufts University, USA
• Jenny Sones, Colorado State University, USA

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Shelby Bollen, Scientific Reports, UK
• Commissioning Editor: Sophie Gray, 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.