npj Soft Matter is a dedicated home for publishing high-impact research that advances our understanding of soft matter systems. The journal aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for scientists, engineers, and researchers working in the field of soft matter, encompassing both fundamental studies and practical applications. The journal's scope encompasses a diverse array of topics, including but not limited to: Polymers: Exploring the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymer systems, from conventional plastics to advanced materials with tailored mechanical and chemical properties. Gels and Colloids: Investigating the behavior and potential applications of gel networks and colloidal dispersions, including their rheological properties and self-assembly mechanisms. Liquid Crystals: Advancing the understanding of the phase behavior, molecular alignment, and optical properties of liquid crystals, and their use in display technologies and other optoelectronic devices. Biomaterials and Bio-inspired Materials: Examining the design and function of materials that mimic natural structures and processes, with a focus on biocompatibility and regenerative medicine applications. Complex Fluids: Studying the flow and structure of non-Newtonian fluids, such as viscoelastic liquids and particle-laden suspensions, in various industrial and biological contexts. Smart Materials: Highlighting the development of materials that respond to environmental changes, such as temperature, pH, light, or chemical signals, and their potential applications in sensing, actuation, and adaptive systems. This journal provides a specialized and inclusive platform for researchers to publish their findings in an open-access format, guided by a team of leading experts in the soft matter field. As part of the npj Series, npj Soft Matter is committed to fostering international collaborations and interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. .