2025 Acknowledgment of <i>mSystems Ad Hoc</i> Reviewers

F or many scientists, it has been a year of rapid change and uncertainty in research.Despite these challenges, the expert reviewers of mSystems research articles have continued to show up and provide their critical service.Because these reviewers value the peer review system and its essential role in ensuring high-quality research is published, they devote their limited time and share their deep expertise in service of mSystems and the American Society for Microbiology.For this, we are incredibly grateful.It is your dedication, high integrity, professionalism, and willingness to provide thoughtful, critical feedback to improve research that help keep mSystems at the forefront of systems microbiology research.This is an era in science defined by heightened cynicism about the academic publication ecosystem, with conversations dominated by ample stories of insubstantial or erroneous artificial intelligence-generated reviews and manuscripts, paper mills, monetized authorships, and predatory journals.And yet, research advances despite these hurdles, mainly due to the selfless motivation of researcher-experts who do their part to maintain the integrity of peer review.Science relies on reviewers to be careful by scrutinizing details and asking direct questions that uphold scientific standards while exemplifying our values of fairness, measuredness, and (yes!) kindness.Early-career researchers learn from the examples that reviewers set.Established researchers gain key insights from reviewers' expert perspectives.In the best cases, manuscripts are strengthened and new research directions are inspired.Peer review remains an essential cornerstone for research.And as long as peer reviewers continue to serve with conviction, rigorous science will advance and offer value to society.