The Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) is proud to welcome Professor Breck Duerkop, Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology & Microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, to the leadership team of FEMS Microbes. He will serve as one of the journal’s Co-Editors-in-Chief, working alongside the current editorial board to further strengthen its scientific vision and impact.
Professor Duerkop’s research centers on bacteriophages (phages) and their interactions with bacterial hosts. His lab investigates how phages influence microbial communities within the mammalian microbiome, their potential role in human health, and their promise as next-generation antibacterial therapeutics. Using genetic, biochemical, computational, and immunological approaches, the Duerkop lab explores both the molecular mechanisms of phage infection and bacterial resistance, with a particular focus on Enterococcus species. In parallel, his team examines how the immune system shapes phage populations and how these dynamics affect intestinal bacterial communities and overall gut health.
He will succeed Prof. Kimberly Kline, who is stepping down after five years as Co-Editor-in-Chief. During her tenure, FEMS Microbes expanded its reach and strengthened its commitment to supporting early-career researchers as they establish their careers. FEMS and the wider microbiology community are deeply grateful for her leadership, contributions, and dedicated service to the journal.
“I am looking forward to joining the team at FEMS Microbes and continue to build this young and exciting journal. FEMS journals have been supporting microbiologists in sharing their research for many years, and takes pride in ensuring that their peer review process supports scientists as well as making sure that what it publishes is a sound addition to the scientific record. FEMS Microbes sees a place for itself in providing a trusted home for high quality science, and I am excited to be a part of its growth in the coming years.” – Breck Duerkop
Elise Kuurstra, FEMS Executive Director celebrated Breck’s introduction to the team, “I am delighted to extend a very warm welcome to Breck as he joins the team at FEMS Microbes. FEMS is grateful to all of its Editors-in-Chief who give their time to ensure that our community not-for-profit journals continue to contribute and grow. Their work makes a real difference to how FEMS supports its community, and it is a testament to the importance they place on this work that they find a way to contribute so willingly.”
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