Women in Bioimaging: From Molecules to Microbiomes

This Research Topic aims to celebrate and highlight the contributions of women scientists in the rapidly evolving field of microbial bioimaging. Bioimaging technologies—ranging from super-resolution light microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy to correlative and label-free methods—are transforming our ability to visualise microbial structures, dynamics, and interactions in unprecedented detail. Despite the essential role women play in advancing this field, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions and large-scale imaging initiatives.

This collection is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge research in microbial imaging while recognizing the significant contributions of women to this field. We welcome submissions from all researchers working in bioimaging, and particularly encourage acknowledgement of women's contributions to the work. This Research Topic welcomes a wide range of contributions, including basic, applied, and translational research, novel imaging methodologies, and integrative approaches combining microscopy with computational or omics techniques.

We also welcome review articles and perspectives that highlight the achievements of women pioneers in microbial bioimaging, as well as reflections on gender equity, career development, and mentorship in the field. Furthermore, contributions discussing the development of imaging infrastructure, open-access platforms, community-driven resources, and international collaborations for equitable access to advanced imaging technologies are strongly encouraged.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Advanced imaging techniques applied to microbial cells, communities, and environments
Cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-FIB-SEM, and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM)
Super-resolution microscopy and real-time imaging of microbial dynamics
Imaging-based spatial omics and microbial ecosystem analysis
Visualisation of host-microbe, microbe-microbe, and microbe-environment interactions
Imaging of extremophilic microorganisms and microbiomes in challenging environments
AI and machine learning applications in microbial image analysis
Bioimaging contributions to biotechnology, forensics, pathogenesis, and environmental monitoring
Historical and contemporary overviews of women's contributions to microbial imaging
Infrastructure development, open-access tools, and collaborative platforms for microscopy and image analysis
Policies and initiatives supporting inclusivity and equitable access to imaging technologies
This Research Topic aims to serve as a platform to amplify the achievements of women in bioimaging and to inspire the next generation of microbiologists and imaging scientists. Authors are encouraged to use the Acknowledgements section to highlight the specific contributions of women researchers to their work.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Microbial bioimaging, Super-resolution microscopy, Cryo-electron microscopy, Imaging technologies.

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.