Founded in 1990 by the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Society for Cell Biology, Cell Research (CR) is a monthly scholarly journal that publishes peer-reviewed research articles, authoritative reviews, letters, and research highlights in the life sciences.

Over the past 34 years, CR has adhered to the ethos of "serving scientists, serving scientific development," and evolved to become the premier international journal in the field of life sciences.

Holding scientific merit as the sole metric for manuscript evaluation, CR is committed to unraveling mysteries in molecular biology, embracing breakthroughs in biotechnology, and promoting translational value from bench to bedside. The mission of CR is to disseminate the knowledge of urgent and long-standing predicaments in life sciences to drive biomedical development.

The path of scientific advancement is meandering, with numerous innovative discoveries proving unexpected, particularly when they challenge the orthodox theories. In terms of these original innovations, CR steadfastly upholds a discerning outlook and an attitude of open-mindedness and inclusivity.

For example, in 2014, Professor Yu Li from Tsinghua University discovered a new organelle called migrasome. This novel finding faced rejection from a top-tier international journal due to a reviewer's skepticism. Upon redirection to our journal, a comprehensive evaluation prompted us to acknowledge the profound significance of this discovery, leading us to solicit expert commentaries and decisively publish it expeditiously.

The publication in CR pioneered a new chapter of research and established a robust foundation for the subsequent two inclusions in Nature Cell Biology, with one featured on the cover.

In addition, CR continues to promote scientific advancement by showcasing discoveries on the formation mechanism, function, and applications of migrasomes.

This contributes to garnering attention and recognition for migrasomes globally, ultimately culminating in the triumph of Beijing Mageson Biotechnology Co., Ltd., with Yu, the founder, announcing the completion of multi-million RMB angel financing in 2023.

Aside from disseminating the transformative impact of scientific achievements and stimulating the translational values in industrial layout, CR also persists in fostering a supportive environment for scientists. The professional editorial team of CR closely engages with the frontline researchers and drives global collaboration among them.

Since 2018, CR has been dedicated to establishing the internationally renowned academic journal brand conference — Cell Research Symposia on Molecular Cell Science. This symposium aims to be at the forefront of research in molecular cell science, promote significant discoveries, facilitate exchanges and collaborations between domestic and foreign scientists, and empower China's burgeoning cohort of researchers to access the global academic arena.

Moving forward, CR will foster greater inclusiveness, transparency and innovation to illuminate the trajectory of human scientific progress in the era of big data through collaborations with other premier international journals.

Concurrently, we will endeavor to strengthen the reputation of CR as a paragon of international scholarship, thereby bolstering China's scientific and cultural prowess on the global stage.

The article is provided by the Cell Research editorial team.

Journal Review

Over the last three decades, Cell Research has advanced alongside the rapid growth of China's fundamental scientific research, particularly in life sciences. This mirrors the swift progress of the internationally renowned journal Cell, which capitalized on the wave of molecular biology at the time.

The continued investment by the state in life sciences, the return of a large number of outstanding scientists from overseas, and the unwavering support provided by organizations like the China Association for Science and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have together laid a solid foundation for the growth of Cell Research.

The accomplishments of Cell Research and other excellent journals in recent years reflect the growing maturity of China's scientific community and its increasing presence on the global stage.

Cell Research has always upheld the pursuit of excellence. Over the last 20 years, it has raised its academic standards to a level on par with renowned international journals, demonstrating resilience in its pursuit of progress. The journal is always focusing on the intrinsic originality and scholarly value of research.

I believe Cell Research will continue to contribute to creating a more balanced and fair academic publishing environment, promoting the healthy development of both scientific research and scholarly publications.

—— Pei Gang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and principal investigator at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences.