Scope
Topics Covered
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews® (MMBR) publishes reviews dealing with all aspects of microbiology and other fields of concern to microbiologists, such as immunology. Authoritative and critical reviews of the current state of knowledge are preferred, although historical analyses will be accepted if the importance of the subject justifies this approach. Unevaluated compilations of the literature and annotated bibliographies do not fall within the scope of MMBR. Manuscripts of lectures delivered at symposia and roundtables are likewise unacceptable; however, their authors are encouraged to discuss with the editor the possibility of using such material as the basis for preparation of a review when publication in this form seems appropriate. Because a distinct goal of the journal is to appeal to the interests of its diverse group of subscribers, authors are asked to address themselves to both specialists and generalists; this demands conscious concern for this goal in writing.
Manuscripts reach MMBR by one of two mechanisms. First, reviews are solicited by the editors from leading investigators around the world. Second, suggestions for reviews of subjects that have not been reviewed recently may be e-mailed to the MMBR editorial office (m.buchmeier@uci.edu). Such suggestions should be accompanied by a summary; an annotated topical outline; a one- or two-paragraph statement describing the aim, scope, and relevance of the review; a list of key references showing the author's contributions to the field, as well as other investigators’ findings; and a curriculum vitae and bibliography for each proposed author. Such outlines will be evaluated by the editors, and if the material is satisfactory, the authors will be invited to write the review and submit it via the eJournalPress (eJP) online manuscript submission and peer review system.
A review, whether invited or not, cannot be finally accepted until the finished product has been reviewed and found to be satisfactory.