Mongolia's Scientific Pioneer
The Story of a Groundbreaking Biology Journal
In the vast landscapes of Mongolia, where nomadic traditions meet modern science, a single journal has been bridging local research with the global scientific community for over two decades.
Introduction
In the world of scientific publishing, where prestigious journals from Western nations dominate the landscape, a remarkable story emerges from the heart of Central Asia. The Mongolian Journal of Biological Sciences (MJBS) stands as a testament to scientific resilience and vision.
This is the story of how a single publication transformed scientific discourse in a nation renowned for its rich natural heritage but underrepresented in global research circles.
The Birth of a Scientific Vision
Modern Mongolia encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from the Gobi Desert in the south to forest-steppes and mountain ranges in the north. This biological richness created an urgent need for a dedicated platform where research on these unique ecosystems could be published and shared globally.
Pre-MJBS Challenges
Before MJBS's launch, Mongolian biologists faced significant challenges in disseminating their research. Without a local international-standard journal, scientists struggled to share their findings with the global scientific community.
The journal's formation represented more than just another scientific publication—it became a cornerstone for building Mongolia's modern scientific infrastructure.
A Decade of Growth: By the Numbers
Between 2003 and 2013, MJBS demonstrated remarkable growth and established itself as a significant contributor to Mongolian science. The journal's impact during its first decade can be measured through both quantitative metrics and its expanding international reach.
- Publishing Language English
- Editorial Board Members 15+
- Countries Represented 8+
- Open Access Yes
Key Collaborating Countries:
The Science of the Steppes: Key Research Areas
MJBS has served as a vital repository for research on Mongolia's unique ecosystems and species. The journal's pages have documented everything from the mysterious Gobi Desert to the forest-steppes of the north, creating an invaluable record of Central Asia's biological heritage.
Ecological Studies
The journal has featured groundbreaking ecological research, including studies on the water use by khulan (wild asses) in the Dzungarian Gobi 4 . This research provides crucial data for conservation efforts in a region where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change.
Other significant ecological publications have focused on the distribution and behavior of the Przewalski's horse, the last truly wild horse species, which has been reintroduced to Mongolia after near-extinction 2 4 .
Taxonomic Discoveries
MJBS has also contributed substantially to taxonomy and systematics. The journal has published descriptions of new species of oribatid mites from Russia and Kazakhstan, expanding our understanding of invertebrate diversity in Central Asia 3 .
These discoveries, though seemingly small, play a crucial role in understanding biodiversity patterns and ecosystem functions.
Research Locations Across Mongolia
Visualization of key research sites featured in MJBS publicationsBehind the Scenes: The MJBS Editorial Process
The credibility of any scientific journal rests on its peer-review system and editorial standards. MJBS established a rigorous double-blind peer-review process where both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other, ensuring unbiased evaluation of submitted manuscripts 1 2 .
Submission
Authors submit manuscripts through the journal's online system, ensuring all required elements are included.
Initial Screening
Editorial staff check for compliance with journal guidelines and scope before sending to editors.
Peer Review
Double-blind review by at least two experts in the field, with recommendations for revision or rejection.
Editor Decision
Based on reviewer feedback, editors make final decisions on acceptance, revision, or rejection.
Production & Publication
Accepted papers undergo copyediting, typesetting, and final proofing before publication.
Japan
Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural HistoryUSA
Academy of Natural SciencesGermany
Georg-August University of GoettingenAustria
University of SalzburgMultiple Countries
15+ members from 8+ countriesThe Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Resources for Biological Field Research in Mongolia
Conducting biological research in Mongolia's often remote and challenging environments requires specialized equipment and methodologies. Here are key tools that have enabled the research published in MJBS:
Camera Collars
GPS-enabled photographic tracking devices used to study behavior and movement patterns of large mammals like Przewalski's horses without human interference 4 .
Genetic Sequencing Equipment
Portable or laboratory-based tools for DNA analysis, crucial for taxonomic studies of Mongolian fauna and flora 4 .
Microbial Culture Kits
Specialized media and equipment for studying microbial diversity in extreme environments, including Mongolia's mineral springs 3 .
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Drones employed for ecohydrological and ecosystem research, particularly useful for surveying vast river flood plains and inaccessible regions 4 .
Mist Nets and Acoustic Monitors
Essential tools for surveying bat populations across Mongolia's diverse habitats 4 .
Remote Sensing Technology
Satellite imagery and GIS tools for large-scale ecological monitoring and habitat mapping.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its successes, MJBS faces ongoing challenges common to many scientific journals from developing regions. The limited representation in top-tier indexing services remains a hurdle for greater global visibility, though the journal is indexed in emerging sources and specialized biological databases 1 2 .
Current Challenges
- Limited indexing in top-tier databases
- Infrastructure limitations for molecular biology research
- Competition with well-established international journals
- Funding constraints for open access publishing
Future Opportunities
- Expanding digital presence and accessibility
- Building capacity in technical fields like molecular biology
- Increasing international collaborations
- Leveraging Mongolia's unique biodiversity for specialized research
As MJBS moves beyond its second decade, it continues to adapt to the changing landscape of scientific publishing while staying true to its mission of elevating Mongolian biological research on the global stage.
Conclusion
The Mongolian Journal of Biological Sciences represents more than just pages between covers—it embodies Mongolia's commitment to scientific progress and environmental stewardship. From its inception in 2003 through its first decade and beyond, MJBS has created a vital bridge between Mongolian researchers and the global scientific community.
By documenting Mongolia's unique biodiversity and fostering scientific collaboration, MJBS has become an indispensable resource for biologists worldwide.
As climate change and development pressures transform Mongolia's landscapes, the research published in MJBS will become increasingly crucial for informed conservation decisions. The journal continues to stand as a beacon of scientific excellence, proving that significant contributions to knowledge can emerge from any corner of our interconnected world.