We are delighted to announce Michael Sauer as the next FEMS President, alongside three new members of the FEMS Board of Trustees, Ivica Dimkić, Celia Manaia and Martyna Glodowska. Read more: buff.ly/RiSh6bI

In 1881, drawing on her experience as a cook, Fanny Hesse suggested using agar instead of gelatin to culture bacteria: a simple idea that helped shape microbiology today. Happy birthday to a pioneer who deserved far more recognition. 🧫 Illustration by Veronica Pisano

FEMS is at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington D.C. this week, and we are excited to meet everyone! @ASMicrobiology Drop by booth 1636 (to the left of the ASM Booth) and learn how we can connect you with the European microbiology community at FEMS MICRO 2027. femsmicro.org

Love microbiology? Curious about science communication? 🦠 Join FEMS Microbiology Ecology as a volunteer Journal Social Media Editor. No experience needed. Training provided. 📱 1–2 posts/week | Remote Apply: buff.ly/tcfJBf0

Max Häggblom, Editor-in-Chief of FEMS Microbiology Ecology, has been cited over 19,000 times. Safe to say he knows a thing or two about publishing. His advice to early career researchers? Don’t narrow your focus too early.

Prof. John Morrissey, Professor at University College Cork & Editor-in-Chief of FEMS Yeast Research, highlights the importance of community in science. Science is not a solo effort; it grows through collaboration, discussion, & contributing to something larger than your own work.

Dr Marcus Horn (Leibniz University; Editor, FEMS Microbiology Ecology) on why society journals matter: when publishing is driven by the community, not profit, peer review is stronger and the science is better. Learn more: buff.ly/ha8W4o2

Microbes shape how ecosystems function. Prof. Max Häggblom, Editor-in-Chief of FEMS Microbiology Ecology, explains how the journal explores these connections & advances our understanding of microbes in a changing environment: buff.ly/ha8W4o2

FEMS is seeking a new President and two Trustees for our Board (2027–2029) Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for leadership & governance? We are looking for mission‑driven candidates dedicated to advancing microbiology across Europe and beyond. buff.ly/btwi7u9

Prof. Dr. Dieter Jahn is a Professor at Braunschweig University of Technology & a Handling Editor for FEMS Microbiology Letters highlights why society journals matter: the income generated by these journals does not simply disappear, it goes back into the scientific community.

We asked Prof. Clare Taylor, Professor of Inclusive Practice and Microbiology at Edinburgh Napier University & Editor-in-Chief of FEMS Microbiology Letters, to share her perspective on building a career in microbiology. Her advice is simple: get involved.

The FEMS journals are not about profit margins but about the community they serve. For over 50 years, our goal has been to advance research microbiology research & connect scientists worldwide. Join the movement, publish for & with the community: buff.ly/CzUwj7l

As a brilliant scientist & advocate for rigorous microbiology research, Prof. Jeff Cole was committed to advancing the field & supporting the growth of young scientists. His legacy will continue to shape the community he helped nurture with such passion: buff.ly/xgTou3Y