Research in Microbiology publishes original reports covering all aspects of microbiology, including general and molecular microbiology, physiology and microbial genetics, environmental and applied microbiology, industrial microbiology, mycology and medical microbiology. In addition to full-length articles, brief notes as well as position papers are welcome. This international journal also provides Forums for the exchange of ideas and opinions and a column entitles ''Times and Trends''. The overriding criteria for publication are originality, high scientific quality and up-to-date relevance. Papers should be written with a wide audience of microbiologists in mind.