Building on Strong Foundations: A Message from the Editor-in-Chief of GERMS

It is with both gratitude and anticipation that I write these words, looking back on almost 15 years of continued publication and marking the transition of GERMS into a new chapter through our collaboration with MDPI.

Founded in 2011, GERMS was envisioned as a home for rigorous, clinically relevant, and globally accessible research in infectious diseases. Over the years, it has grown into a respected voice in the field—indexed in major databases, trusted by contributors, and read across continents. These milestones are the result of a collective effort involving editors, reviewers, and, above all, the authors who have chosen GERMS as the platform for their scientific work.

Equally, I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the members of the journal’s Editorial Board. Their expertise, commitment, and thoughtful guidance have been essential in shaping the scientific direction of the journal, upholding its standards of quality, and ensuring its relevance to both clinicians and researchers worldwide. GERMS could not have reached its current standing without their dedication.

The collaboration with MDPI represents both continuity and renewal. Continuity, because the core values of GERMS—editorial independence, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to advancing infectious disease research—remain unchanged. Renewal, because the global reach, technical support, and publishing expertise of MDPI create new opportunities for expanding visibility, attracting diverse voices, and accelerating scientific exchange.

As Editor-in-Chief, my priority is to ensure that GERMS continues to be more than just a journal: it must remain a scholarly community. Our focus will stay anchored in three core principles:

• Scientific excellence and relevance—publishing studies that address pressing infectious disease challenges with methodological rigor and clinical applicability.
• Global inclusivity—supporting contributions from diverse regions and healthcare settings, particularly those underrepresented in the scientific literature.
• Mentorship and growth—providing an academic platform where early-career researchers and clinicians can gain visibility and confidence alongside established experts.

This new chapter marks a renewed commitment to our mission. On behalf of the editorial team, I extend heartfelt thanks to our readership and contributors for their trust, and I warmly invite the scientific community to continue shaping the future of the journal with us. Together, we will ensure that GERMS remains a forum where infectious disease science thrives—relevant, open, and global.