We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nico Jehmlich has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607). With an extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

Dr. Nico Jehmlich has been working for 15 years in the field of microbial communities (microbiomes), which influence human well-being both directly and indirectly, using the focus technique metaproteomics. Furthermore, he studies gut microbiomes. In the research field of microbial ecology, for example, he has developed a new method (protein-based stable isotope probing, protein-SIP) to identify metabolically active bacterial species in microbial communities. Dr. Jehmlich has been involved through his proteomic analyses in the discovery of a group of bacteria that independently carry out complete nitrification ("complete ammonia oxidizer", Comammox), which represented a milestone in microbiology. His research group operates a unique metaproteomics platform that strives to understand the complex relationships between chemical exposures, the gut microbiome, and the toxicity outcomes of the human host. In the field of environmental metaproteomics, he has long-standing expertise and has investigated the functionalities of microbial communities.

The following is a Q&A with Dr. Nico Jehmlich, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research field and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to become its Editor-in-Chief?
I aspired to become the Editor-in-Chief for the journal Microorganisms in order to shape the editorial direction of the publication, choose which stories to prioritize, and ensure that the content aligns with the journal’s mission and values. This role offers an opportunity to exercise leadership skills and personal fulfillment. I find it exciting to work with the challenges and responsibilities that come with this position.

2. What are your plans and vision for the journal?
My aim is to provide researchers with a platform to share their findings related to microorganisms in order to disseminate knowledge within the scientific community and beyond. It is important to maintain high standards of peer review, and scientific rigor is a key goal to ensure that published research meets the criteria of accuracy, validity, and ethical conduct. I want to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists because that bridges the gap between different fields of study, fostering innovation and the development of practical applications. Ultimately, it is important to maintain the journal’s global impact by reaching researchers, policymakers, and the public worldwide.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The research in the field of microorganisms is vast and diverse. Future breakthroughs in microbiology will likely be driven by a combination of technological advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the role microorganisms play in various aspects of life on Earth.
Personally, I have seen the field greatly impacted by advances in technology such as DNA sequencing, metagenomics, and high-throughput screening. The future will likely see even more powerful tools and techniques for studying microorganisms. This might include more advanced single-cell sequencing methods, faster and more accurate genome editing technologies, and high-resolution imaging techniques.
As new infectious diseases continue to emerge, microbiology will play a crucial role in understanding and combating these threats.
I also expect the study of the microbiome to continue to expand. Understanding the microbiome's role in health and disease, as well as its potential for personalized medicine, will likely be a major focus.

4. What do you think of the development of open access literature in the publishing field?
The development of open access literature has the potential to democratize knowledge and improve the accessibility and impact of research. However, it also faces challenges related to sustainability, quality control, and copyright issues, which need to be discussed.

We are extremely grateful to Prof. Dr. Martin von Bergen, the previous Editor-in-Chief, for his hard work and support in helping the journal realize its potential, and we warmly welcome Dr. Nico Jehmlich as the new Editor-in-Chief. We look forward to his contribution to the continued success of Microorganisms.