A New View: Introducing "Viewpoints" in Bioconjugate Chemistry

In 2023, Bioconjugate Chemistry added the “Viewpoint” article type, which allows authors to spark conversation, share their vision, and highlight innovation at the interface between synthetic and biological materials.

What Are Viewpoints?

Unlike traditional research articles or comprehensive reviews, Viewpoints are short, focused essays that discuss and evaluate recent breakthroughs in the field. These concise, editor-reviewed pieces offer a unique platform for researchers to communicate emerging ideas, critical evaluations, and field-shaping insights.

These articles are typically between 1,500–2,500 words, making them digestible yet impactful. They are not meant to present new experimental data but instead contextualize existing work in a way that informs and inspires.

Why Viewpoints Matter

The introduction of Viewpoints marks a step toward more agile and accessible scientific communication. By offering a platform for rapid, thoughtful commentary, Bioconjugate Chemistry is fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas that will help drive the field forward.

Whether it's a call to action, a rethinking of established systems, or a spotlight on emerging technologies, these articles help shape the direction of the field. They are especially valuable for early-career researchers seeking to understand the landscape of a subfield, but they also help established scientists stay current with evolving trends and interdisciplinary teams exploring how chemistry can solve biological problems.

What Makes a Great Viewpoint?

A successful Viewpoint is more than just a summary but should also have a narrative and a purpose. It should:

• Offer a distinct point of view on an area of contemporary importance to the field.
• Be forward thinking and suggest future considerations for researchers.
• Have a concise yet descriptive title.
• Begin with a brief, engaging abstract (without references).
• Include at least two graphics (up to six total figures, schemes, or tables) to visually convey key ideas.
• Offer a focused reference list.

How to Submit a Viewpoint

Viewpoints are typically invited by the Editors, but researchers can also submit proposals for topics they wish to write about. If approved, these proposals can lead to published pieces that reach a wide and engaged audience.

If you’re interested in submitting a Viewpoint to Bioconjugate Chemistry, please send a brief proposal with title, abstract, and authors to eic@bioconj.acs.org.

Highlighted Viewpoint Examples

It has been over a year since the first authors were invited and Bioconjugate Chemistry has now published several Viewpoints on topics ranging from targeting strategies for site-specific mRNA delivery to bioconjugates for cancer prevention.