About the Journal

Focus and Scope

Catalyst is an open-access peer-reviewed journal hosted by the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and managed by students in the Biochemistry Graduate Program and Medical Sciences Graduate Program. Catalyst reports on cutting-edge advances in the life sciences at McMaster University and showcases research from undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. We publish the following categories of articles:

  • Papers - Original Research: studies of the highest quality that report on novel findings. We also accept new and innovative protocol papers in this category.
  • Papers - Review Articles: we accept reviews covering mechanisms of disease as well as reviews focusing solely on molecular/cellular mechanisms with no disease focus.
  • Perspectives: concise, targeted opinion pieces that provide commentary on an important and current issue in the life sciences or associated disciplines.
  • Multimedia: we welcome a variety of multimedia formats and submissions. Please send us a presubmission inquiry prior to making your submission. 

 

Peer-Review Process

Catalyst works to ensure rapid and fair peer-review of all submissions. Our reviewers are graduate students or postdoctoral fellows within the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences or one of the many disciplines in the Medical Sciences Graduate Program at McMaster University. Our reviewers are experts in their field and we are able to provide feedback on manuscripts across a variety of disciplines, from basic bacteriology, to mechanisms of human genetics and disease. Reviewers adhere to strict standards to ensure a rigorous and fair process and are screened for any potential conflicts of interest. 

 

Publication Frequency

We publish two annual issues, one in December and one in July. 

 

Open Access Policy

All content published in Catalyst is available through an open access license immediately, without delay. Our aim is to accelerate dissemination of high-quality research in order to drive McMaster’s mandate of inspiring innovation and discovery. 

 

Sponsors

Catalyst is not presently sponsored by any external funding organizations. If you would like to support our work, please email our team.