In Celebration of Women in Science: RNA Networks and Biology

With this research topic, we aim to promote the work of women scientists, across all fields of RNA Networks and Biology. We strongly encourage the submission of manuscripts where the lead and/or corresponding author is female. We especially encourage early career researchers to submit their manuscripts.

Scientific Topics include (but are not limited to)
- Transcription
- Splicing
- RNA Biology
- RNA Networks
- Protein Translation
- Ribosomes
- Non-Coding RNA
- RNA
- RNA-mediated cellular dysfunction in disease

Article Types :
- Original Research
- Brief Research Report
- Methods
- Review
- Mini Review
- Hypothesis and Theory
- Perspective
- Data Report
- Technology and Code


For this special collection, we would like to ask the lead or corresponding author to provide a short insight (max. 200 words) on their experience as a woman in academia. Frontiers will publish this excerpt following the conclusion of your article with the heading Women in RNA Networks and Biology: [Authors Name].

This could include any of the following:

● What do you consider your most important contribution to the field? How has this contribution been received in your field?
● For more senior researchers: As your career progresses, how has your view of the scientific system, and particularly the role of women scientists changed over time?
● For early career researchers: What are you most looking forward to about your future in scientific research?
● What questions regarding RNA biology are you most excited about?
● How do you see the field of RNA Biology changing (in terms of research or women) in the next 10-20 years?

Reflective Questions:
● Do you think that your approach(es) to science would have been any different if you were male?
● What were the biggest obstacles you had to overcome? Did you ever have the impression that it would be easier/harder if you were male/ not female? (ex. Authorship decision, publication, etc)
● Have you ever felt that you get less support or recognition in professional events regarding your gender or identity? (your voice, opinion are less likely to be adopted…etc)
● What kind of prejudices, if any, do you feel that you routinely face?
For more Senior Researchers:
● How do you create a lab environment that equally fosters trainees of all genders?
● How do you stay in check with your own implicit biases about gender while training graduate students, serving on search committees, and teaching students?
Forward Looking Questions:
● What, if anything, would you like to see changed in the scientific system? What do you think people can engage or put efforts on minimizing gender inequality in academia?
● Do you have role models or important mentors from women in science? How do they inspire or support you in your research?
● Do you have any suggestions as to how the academic research system can work to retain more women scientists and gender minorities?

We strongly encourage the submission of manuscripts where the lead and/or corresponding author is female, and we recommend early career researchers to team up with senior female colleagues. However, we will welcome the submission of any article within the scope above irrespective of gender.

Keywords: transcription, splicing, RNA Biology, RNA Networks, Protein Translation, Ribosomes, Non-Coding RNA, RNA

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.