World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology publishes refereed research papers, short communications, technical communications and review articles on all aspects of applied microbiology and biotechnology, including management of culture collections, foodstuffs and biological control agents. The Journal provides a forum for research work directed towards microbiological and biotechnological solutions to global problems, such as agriculture and food supplies and environmental issues including pollution and waste management. Because many global issues, for example improving crop productivity and public health, have more acute consequences in the developing world than elsewhere, the journal emphasizes the role of biotechnological advances for and from the developing world while encouraging contributions from all interested scientists. The journal presents contributions on education in microbiology and biotechnology, and papers or reviews commenting on the attendant social issues. 25th anniversary of the World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology In 2009, the journal celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary, marking 25 years of its objective of providing a worldwide medium for publication of sound microbiological work from all countries, but especially those whose access to sophisticated equipment and facilities was less than in the developed nations of the west. It began as a quarterly journal in March 1985 as the MIRCEN Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology and the first Chief Editors were J.C. Senez and F.A. Skinner. It became the World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology in 1990. It began bimonthly publication in 1991 and became monthly in 2006. To celebrate volume 25, a new cover has been produced.