Frontiers in Neuroscience is a second-tier journal that highlights the most outstanding articles published in the first-tier specialty journals (e.g., Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, etc.) judged over a period of a few months. These prestigious articles are re-written in a review-like style centered on the core discovery, but in a broader neuroscience context. Advanced graphics and copyediting are used to make these discoveries more understandable to the general neuroscience reader. Authors, Review Editors and Associate Editors are awarded prizes for articles that are selected for publishing in Frontiers in Neuroscience. The inaugural issue of Frontiers in Neuroscience is a collection of original research papers contributed by the Chief Editors of Frontiers in Neuroscience and the Specialty Journals. This represents the breadth and depth that Frontiers strives for as well as the sense of excitement in brain research in the first decade of the 3rd millennium.

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to identifying key molecules, as well as their functions and interactions, that underlie the structure, design and function of the brain across all levels. The scope of our journal encompasses synaptic and cellular proteins; coding and non-coding RNA; and molecular mechanisms regulating cellular and dendritic RNA translation. In recent years, a plethora of new cellular and synaptic players have been identified from reduced systems such as neuronal cultures, but the relevance of these molecules in terms of cellular and synaptic function and plasticity in the living brain and its circuits has not been validated. The effects of spine growth and density observed using gene products identified from in vitro work are frequently not reproduced in vivo. Our journal is particularly interested in studies on genetically engineered model organisms (C. elegans, Drosophila, Mouse), in which alterations in key molecules underlying cellular and synaptic function and plasticity produce defined anatomical, physiological and behavioral changes. In the mouse, genetic alterations limited to particular neural circuits (olfactory bulb, motor cortex, cortical layers, hippocampal subfields, cerebellum), preferably regulated in time and on demand, are of special interest, as they sidestep potential compensatory developmental effects.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to better understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying the functions of the cells composing the nervous system (neural and non-neuronal) across all species. The past years have seen exciting progress in this area because of the merging of traditionally separate fields such as anatomy, physiology and molecular genetics. We welcome submissions of multidisciplinary studies of cellular function in vertebrates, invertebrates, from cell culture to slices to in vivo, and involving genetically amenable species such as Drosophila, C. elegans, mice and zebrafish as well as any other species suited to elucidate fundamental principles of cellular function in neurons. Studies on the basic neural functions such as the generation of action potentials, synaptic transmission, biophysical and biochemical aspects of receptor activation, synaptic plasticity, intra and inter cell signaling related to the emergent functions of cells, glial-neuronal signaling and synaptic and dendritic integration, are welcome. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience also publishes research on the morphology of cells and how these morphologies relate to the emergent functions of neurons. Our journal also publishes research focused on the developing, adult and ageing cell as well as cellular changes in diseases. While the journals primary focus is on experimental studies, we welcome the addition of computational models to further explore experimental findings.

Frontiers in Neuroanatomy is a first-tier electronic journal that publishes articles addressing important aspects of the anatomical organization of all nervous systems across all species. The use of classical and modern techniques and approaches include axonal transport methods to track the connections between brain regions; electron microscopy to obtain a more quantitative understanding of the sub-cellular and connectivity anatomy; immunocytochemistry to map protein expression patterns; in situ hybridization to map gene expression patterns; and many other powerful techniques used to examine the organization of the nervous system. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy encourages comparative studies between brain regions, between species, and also between health and disease, but is not concerned with studies that have a primary clinical focus. We encourage studies that employ modern quantitative anatomical techniques in combination with experimental studies, but submissions of descriptive neuroanatomy and theories of neuroanatomical design are also welcome. Image quality and powerful illustrations will be a major emphasis of Frontiers in Neuroanatomy. We also encourage anatomical papers that are complimented by theoretical studies to better understand the anatomical design principles of the brain.

Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to understanding whole systems of the brain such as those involved in sensation, movement, learning and memory, attention, reward, decision-making, reasoning, executive functions, and emotions. The orientation is towards papers addressing the structural and functional architecture of brain systems as well as the principles of information processing, storage and retrieval at the systems level. The study of brain systems includes the analysis of individual regions as well as multiple levels and nodes of information processing. The journal will represent the full range of systems neuroscience research, from the analysis of pathways of information flow to neuronal circuits that transform simple inputs to complex outputs; short- and long-term changes in circuits that arise during activity-dependent development and plasticity; the dynamics of neuronal networks; and cognitive modules that are engaged in specific tasks. Systems neuroscience relies on a variety of approaches, spanning studies of single-cell responses in alert primates to cellular analyses of reduced preparations that leave intact key elements of computation. Recent advances in high-resolution imaging of brain activity and structure at network, cellular and sub-cellular levels, along with the application of molecular tools, have begun to transform systems neuroscience. Our journal also admits computational studies that compliment experiments to better understand the emergent transformations in brain systems. We also encourage studies with multiple analysis approaches in order to better understand brain function during multiple forms and time scales of information processing – in the normal and diseased brain and in any species.

Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal that is focused on synthesizing multiple facets of brain structure and function to understand how multiple diverse functions are integrated to produce complex behaviors. Our goal is to publish research related to furthering the understanding of the integrative mechanisms underlying brain functioning across one or more interacting levels of neural organization. In most real life experiences, sensory inputs from several modalities converge and interact in a manner that influences perception and behavior. The journal is therefore focused on the primary questions of how multiple sensory, cognitive and emotional processes merge to produce coordinated complex behavior. It is questions such as this that cannot be answered at a single level – an ion channel, a neuron or a synapse – that we wish to focus on. In Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience we welcome in vitro or in vivo investigations across the molecular, cellular, and systems and behavioral levels. Research in any species and at any stage of development and ageing that are focused at understanding integration mechanisms underlying emergent properties of the brain and behavior.

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal that aims to publish major insights into animal and human behavior, as well as the neurobiological basis of behavior. Our journal welcomes papers concerned with the interplay between behavior and neurobiological analysis at all levels: from molecular biology and genetics, to morphological, biochemical, neurochemical, electrophysiological, neuroendocrine, pharmacological, and neuroimaging studies. While Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience is primarily centered on animal behavior, human studies that can validate conclusions from animal research are also welcome. Work in all animal species, including humans, is therefore welcome, and integrative and translational approaches combining animal and human research are encouraged. Translational work has proved in recent years to be particularly suitable to address topics and questions related to psychopathology, with outstanding examples showing how animal studies can help identify key genetic mechanisms of behavioral deviation in humans and, conversely, how innovative findings in humans are directing essential work in animals. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate the progress in this area of research at a critical time when we are facing multiple challenges, from the need to integrate findings obtained at different levels of analysis to the constant redefinition of topics and approaches that concern and characterize the field of Behavioral Neuroscience.