The Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) network exists to advance microbiome science that addresses inequity in health, environment, and society. Publishing is central to that mission, ensuring that knowledge is shared, challenged, and used to drive meaningful change.

We encourage researchers across disciplines, sectors, and career stages to publish work that explores how microbial systems intersect with social, environmental, and structural inequities.

A journal aligned with MSE

Sustainable Microbiology is an interdisciplinary, open access journal published by Applied Microbiology International. It focuses on the role of microbes in improving global economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The journal aligns closely with MSE’s goals. It supports research that connects microbiome science to real world challenges, particularly where those challenges are shaped by inequality, access, and lived experience.

This includes work that contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and advances more equitable approaches to science and its applications.

Areas of focus

Research connected to MSE often crosses traditional boundaries. Sustainable Microbiology welcomes interdisciplinary work, including:

  • Microbiomes and health disparities
  • Environmental justice and microbial exposure
  • Urban, built, and indoor microbiomes
  • Food systems, nutrition, and access
  • One Health and community health systems
  • Climate change and unequal microbial impacts
  • Indigenous knowledge and microbiome science
  • Policy, governance, and ethical frameworks

This reflects the MSE approach, which brings together human, environmental, and societal dimensions of microbiome research.

From research to impact

MSE is about changing how microbiome science is done and who it serves, not only what it produces.

Publishing through Sustainable Microbiology supports that ambition by:

  • Providing a platform for underrepresented voices and perspectives
  • Connecting scientific findings to policy and practice
  • Enabling interdisciplinary collaboration across sectors
  • Supporting research that engages communities, rather than treating them solely as subjects

Why publish here

  • Fully open access for global reach and accessibility
  • Interdisciplinary scope spanning science, policy, and society
  • Strong alignment with equity focused research agendas
  • Society owned journal, with income reinvested into the scientific community
  • Discounts and fee support available in many regions

Researchers connected to MSE benefit from increased visibility through AMI channels, events, and partnerships, as well as access to publishing discounts and fee support where applicable.