The journal Microbial Ecology was founded more than 50 years ago by Dr. Ralph Mitchell, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Biology at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. The journal has evolved to become a premier location for the presentation of manuscripts that represent advances in the field of microbial ecology. The journal has become a dedicated international forum for the presentation of high-quality scientific investigations of how microorganisms interact with their environment, with each other and with their hosts. Microbial Ecology offers articles of original research in full paper and note formats, as well as brief reviews and topical position papers. Coverage includes the ecology of microorganisms in natural and engineered environments; genomic, metagenomic and molecular advances in understanding of microbial interactions; microbial diversity and phylogeny; microbial drivers of biogeochemical processes; inter- and intraspecific microbial communication; ecological studies of human, animal, plant and insect microbiology and disease; microbial processes and interactions in extreme or unusual environments; microbial population, community ecology, technological developments and more. Our dedicated Editorial Board ensures that only the highest quality manuscripts are rapidly published. Upcoming meetings: Microbial Communities as Drivers of Ecosystem Complexity, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA,March 25 - 30, 2011 American Society of Microbiology, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, May 21-24, 2011 RHIZOSPHERE 3 International Conference, Perth, Western Australia, September 25-30, 2011