 The European Academy of Microbiology is an association that brings together the best scientists in the area of microbiology from Europe. We are important people who are very interested in promoting microbiology. Advocating for microbiology, advocating for the importance of teaching and training young investigators. This is a unique opportunity to talk to the best microbiological brains in Europe. We are trying to think about problems to show them to the community and to have the world to think better and feel attracted by this world of microbes without which we cannot live. The European Academy of Microbiology is a leadership group of eminent microbiology experts. Founded by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies, our mission is to amplify the impact and visibility of microbiology and microbiologists, to promote excellence in the field across Europe and globally and be a united advisory source for governmental and other decision-making bodies. Our Academy was established in 2009. Since then, we have grown to over 170 experts from over 27 different countries. DRM has already attained great regional diversity but we would like to see in the future is an increase in members from Eastern European countries and also better representation of Northern European countries. Our members represent numerous and diverse branches of microbiology in Europe, have notable record of publications, patterns or inventions and contributions to the microbiological community. To promote and recognize excellence in microbiology, we organize targeted programs and activities at the edges of the discipline and communication to scientists, stakeholders and the public. As an Academy, we hold several activities every year to showcase top-tier microbiology research, to bring our members together and to provide expert scientific opinions on critical issues involving microbiology. At the heart of our Academy is our fully gold open-access journal, MicroLife. This journal is run by leading microbiologists in their own fields and covers all microbes from bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, parasites and viruses. MicroLife is a platform for leading experts in microbiology, publishing outstanding papers of the highest standard novelty and significance. The Academy is led by its president, secretary general and its executive board. Every year we run elections to welcome even more microbiology experts in our Academy. The recruitment process is highly selective and based on a peer-review evaluation by current members. EEM is really there to show microbiology to society, particularly to the young scientists. And this is what for me is essential. We have initiated a process at EEM which will take us to a new level of engagement of members. We're going to step up with the retreats, more responsibilities at EEM, hopefully in the future. We might also have vice presidents responsible for different aspects of microbiology and matters of the society. So I look forward to engaging EEM members even more in responding to new challenges in microbiology and to society.