Women represent less than 30% of researchers globally, with persistent biases and gender stereotypes steering women away from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Yet, fostering gender equality within science is vital to achieving sustainable development, as emphasized by UNESCO. To challenge entrenched mindsets, we must promote gender equality, dismantle stereotypes, and encourage the participation of women in STEM careers.

Frontiers in Cell Death proudly offers this platform to highlight the contributions of women scientists within all domains of cell death research, encompassing apoptosis, cellular stress and survival, inflammation and cytotoxicity, model systems, and non-apoptotic regulated cell death. This compilation showcases the diverse research conducted across these dynamic fields, underscoring advancements in theory, experimentation, and methodology with applications to pressing biological and clinical challenges.
We particularly invite submissions from women researchers originating from less privileged countries and communities to emphasize the cross-cultural and inclusive nature of scientific inquiry. We encourage contributions that span the following five sections:

Apoptosis: Investigating the molecular mechanisms and various aspects of apoptosis across physiological, pathological, and pharmacological contexts. Submissions may address topics such as activation-induced cell death, autoimmune disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and therapeutic interventions targeting apoptosis.

Cellular Stress and Survival: Crosslinks, Intersections, and Pathways: Exploring intricate cellular processes that govern cell fate and survival, including the role of cellular motility, cytoskeletal changes, cellular interactions, and regulatory pathways.

Inflammation and Cytotoxicity: Examining the dynamic interplay between inflammation, cytotoxicity, and cell death, and their implications for immune responses, disease understanding, and cancer immunotherapy.

Model Systems in Cell Death: Utilizing various model organisms—traditional or non-traditional—to elucidate cellular and molecular death mechanisms, discover novel pathways, and advance the application of this knowledge.

Non-Apoptotic Regulated Cell Death: Delving into non-apoptotic forms of cell death, such as necroptosis and ferroptosis, and their roles in development, physiology, and diseases, including contributions to neurodegeneration and cancer resistance.

To be considered for this collection, the first or last author should be a researcher who identifies as a woman. By showcasing the exceptional work of women scientists, this research topic aims to inspire future generations and promote a more inclusive scientific community.

Impact

Frontiers in Cell Death

Cellular Stress and Survival: Crosslinks, Intersections, and Pathways

Model Systems in Cell Death

Inflammation and Cytotoxicity

Apoptosis

Non-Apoptotic Regulated Cell Death