Cell Systems

Cell Systems was established in 2015 to provide a home at Cell Press for elegant work that addresses fundamental questions in systems biology. “Systems biology,” as we broadly define it, is work that develops a rigorous understanding of any biological phenomenon where one plus one does not apparently equal two. Disciplines in the physical sciences have met this challenge for a long time, and we’ve found that our strongest papers tend to apply classic approaches taken in physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science to salient biological questions. Manuscripts describing discoveries, milestone achievements, broadly useful tools or resources, or insights into the use of technology may all be appropriate. Cross-disciplinary studies that reveal general principles of systems are particularly welcome.

We believe it’s our responsibility to ensure that the next generation of scientists can begin their work on solid ground. Accordingly, we focus our review process on validity and scientific acuity, rather than more subjective feelings and opinions. We also believe that scientific transparency is of paramount importance. A study’s structure and presentation should be candid and forthright (e.g. it should ensure fair comparisons; it should either use non-arbitrary cut-offs or clearly explained arbitrary cut-offs that do not affect outcomes; its data visualization choices should promote objective understanding; its limitations should not be obscured). Fundamentally good scientific practice also demands that studies be repeatable. We encourage authors to make their code and data FAIR—that is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, as defined by the NIH Data Commons. Although it is too early to formally require that all studies we publish be FAIR, we consider that requirement annually.