The study of sex differences is relevant to all fields spanning biology and medicine. The sex of cells and tissues can have a large impact on their basic physiology, their susceptibility to certain diseases, and their response to therapeutic drugs. Experimental results can vary considerably depending on the sex of the experimental subjects.

Biology of Sex Differences is an open access journal that aims to publish research on all aspects of the effects of sex on biology and disease. The journal is affiliated with the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences (OSSD), an international membership society of researchers and physicians. With the growth of personalised medicine and therapies adapted to the individual patient, the need to further explore sex and gender differences increases. This requires an interdisciplinary approach and the journal therefore  publishes both clinical and basic research, and concepts and methods that apply across many different tissues and disciplines.

BioMed Central, publisher of Biology of Sex Differences, and the OSSD are establishing an annual award to highlight the best research published in the journal by OSSD members. The prize will be a waiver of the article processing charge (APC) for a future publication in the journal, and a £100 Amazon voucher. The first prize will be awarded in January 2015, to an article published between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2014. Authors must state in their cover letter that they would like to be considered for the award; research articles from all members of the OSSD are welcome.

To submit a manuscript for consideration to Biology of Sex Differences, please do so via the online submission system: www.bsd-journal.com/manuscript and to find out more about the OSSD, visit their website: www.ossdweb.org. If you have any questions regarding the award, please contact editorial@bsd-journal.com.