PLOS Computational Biology

PLOS Computational Biology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal covering all aspects of computational biology and bioinformatics. It is a Public Library of Science (PLOS) publication, emphasizing the use of computational methods to advance biological understanding. The journal publishes original research articles that significantly contribute to the understanding of living systems through the application of computational methods. PLOS Computational Biology is known for its high-quality articles, rigorous peer-review process, and commitment to open access, making research freely available to the public.

Scope and Focus

PLOS Computational Biology focuses on the application of computational techniques to solve biological problems. This includes, but is not limited to, the development and application of algorithms, mathematical models, computational simulations, and data analysis methods in the study of biological systems. The journal covers a wide range of topics from molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics to systems biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical and experimental work in the life sciences.

Article Types

PLOS Computational Biology publishes several types of articles, including original research articles, reviews, tutorials, and perspectives. The journal encourages the submission of articles that provide insights into the use of computational methods to understand biological systems, as well as those that discuss the development of new computational tools and methodologies.

Original Research Articles

These articles present new findings in computational biology and bioinformatics. They are expected to make a significant contribution to the field and be of interest to a broad audience.

Reviews

Review articles summarize recent advancements in specific areas of computational biology and bioinformatics. They provide an overview of the current state of research and suggest future directions.

Tutorials

Tutorials offer detailed guidance on specific computational methods or tools. They are designed to help researchers apply these techniques to their own work.

Perspectives

Perspectives provide commentary on current trends or future directions in computational biology and bioinformatics. They offer insights from experts in the field and stimulate discussion among researchers.

Open Access Policy

As a PLOS journal, PLOS Computational Biology adheres to a strict open access policy. All articles are freely available to read, download, and share from the publication date. The journal operates under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which allows for unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Editorial Process

PLOS Computational Biology employs a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and relevance of its publications. Manuscripts are evaluated by expert reviewers and the journal's editorial board, which is composed of leading researchers in computational biology and bioinformatics. The journal strives for a fair, transparent, and timely review process, with the goal of providing constructive feedback to authors.

Impact

PLOS Computational Biology has a significant impact on the field of computational biology. It is widely read and cited by researchers around the world. The journal's commitment to open access and high-quality scholarship supports the advancement of science and the dissemination of knowledge across the global scientific community.