Publish with purpose:

Looking for a place to publish your paper? The not-for-profit FEMS journals, run by and for microbiologists, publish rigorously peer-reviewed research to support the microbiology community.

Find all open calls for thematic issues submissions here. We have open access and free-to-publish submission options available.

• New bacteria identified in 2025 - As 2025 comes to an end, it is a great time to look back at the diverse microbes that made their debut to the scientific community this year. In this blog Sarah Wettstadt highlights some of the most fascinating bacteria identified in 2025. As always, the list of publications on new bacterial species is too long for one blog. That is why this blog aims to give a broad overview of new bacteria from environmental sources, featuring fascinating shapes and metabolic functions. Read the full blog here. 
   
• New viruses discovered in 2025 - Every year, scientists stumble upon viruses hiding in the most unexpected corners of the planet, and 2025 was no exception. In this edition Sarah Wettstadt explores newly discovered viruses from this year, from hypersaline environments to animal hosts and grapevines, expanding our understanding of viral evolution and potential applications. Read the full blog here.
   
• Welcoming new archaea in 2025 - It has been incredibly interesting to explore all these new viruses, bacteria, and fungi uncovered this year. In this blog, Sarah Wettstadt turns the spotlight on the archaea identified this year. As expected, the list is short, as research on this kingdom is limited. Yet, their metabolic capabilities are even more remarkable. Read the full blog here.

European Academy of Microbiology (EAM) Announces Professor Cecília M. Arraiano as New President, effective 1 January 2026

Prof. Arraiano brings a distinguished record of scientific leadership and innovation to the role, reinforcing the EAM’s mission to amplify the impact of microbiology and promoting excellence in the field across Europe and the world.

Currently, she is Coordinating Investigator and Head of the Control of Gene Expression Laboratory at ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier of NOVA University of Lisbon, based in Oeiras, Portugal.

Her leadership will guide EAM in fostering excellence, supporting scientists, and addressing global challenges through microbiological research. Read the press release here. 

Save the date for FEMS MICRO Ljubljana 2027

The biggest moment of the year was undoubtedly FEMS MICRO Milan 2025, our premier Congress & Exhibition. Held from 14-17 July, FEMS MICRO brought together over 2000 microbiologists from more than 95 countries, creating a vibrant space for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation.

Looking ahead, save the date for FEMS MICRO 2027, which will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 5-8 July 2027! We can't wait to see you all there. 

Celebrating knowledge, connection & impact

This year, we proudly supported the next generation of microbiologists through our Summer School for Postdocs, a programme designed to empower early-career researchers with hands-on training, expert mentoring, and opportunities to build international peer networks. 

We also marked a major success with International Microorganism Day, a global celebration that engaged thousands of participants worldwide. Through interactive activities, social campaigns, and educational resources, we amplified public understanding of the microbial world and highlighted its vital role in health, sustainability, and innovation.

Want to explore these initiatives in more detail? Visit our website for full stories, photos, and insights from these events.

Celebrating excellence: Awards & sponsored events

2025 was a year of recognition and support for outstanding contributions to microbiology. We proudly honored researchers through Poster and Oral Presentation Prizes, celebrating innovative work. These awards highlight the creativity, rigor, and impact that drive the field forward.

In addition, FEMS continued to strengthen the global microbiology network by providing Meeting Grants to support scientific gatherings. These grants help foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community building, ensuring that researchers everywhere have the opportunity to connect and share their discoveries.

Want to learn more about our award winners or explore how we support scientific meetings? Discover our awards page.

The FEMS journals are run by microbiologists, and for microbiologists. Every article published by us has been rigorously reviewed for soundness of science by our community of academic peer reviewers – and the not-for-profit journals support the microbiology community.