Bärbel Hahn-Hägerdal retired from her role as joint Editor-in-Chief for Biotechnology for Biofuels at the end of June. Huge thanks are due to Bärbel for being a champion of the journal, throughout the first five years since launch,  and we are glad to see her work rewarded by the journal’s remarkable growth and success. We are pleased welcome James du Preez (University of the Free State, South Africa) as Bärbel’s successor. James joins Mike Himmel, Debra Mohnen and Charles Wyman as joint Editor-in-Chief.

James’s research interests are in the field of fermentation biotechnology with a special interest in continuous (chemostat) cultures, yeast physiology and the application of microbial cells for the production of metabolites in submerged culture. James steps up to the role of Editor-in-Chief, with first-hand experience of handling peer review, as a former Associate Editor for the journal. He says:

“I look forward to my role as new joint Editor-in-Chief of Biotechnology for Biofuels. In a relatively short time its Impact Factor has increased to above 6, which attests to the relevance and quality of the published articles. Furthermore, with the scope of the journal now including not only biofuels but also bio-based chemical products of fermentation, it is anticipated that Biotechnology for Biofuels will attract a greater number of high quality papers of interest to a larger pool of researchers working in this field.”