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

A s we approach the end of 2025, I have been reflecting on the past year's events as well as how mSphere has moved forward.Scientific research, funding, and publishing have certainly seen more headlines in 2025 than any other year that I can remember.And while several headlines highlighted the best of what science can do, often we were greeted by unprecedented attacks on science and the scientific enterprise.Although I cannot speak for everyone, I think that it is safe to say that most of these stories have left us in shock and with trepidation over what science may look like in 2026 and beyond.Despite all this, microbiologists continue to show up.We are still working to make the world healthier and more sustainable by the research that we do as well as other activities that support and complement research, and this includes our reviewers.It is truly inspiring as an editor to see how many people readily accept our invitations to review a manuscript while the world surrounding us is hectic, chaotic, and stressful.Reviewers are the soul of any journal and are critical in helping us as a journal provide an outlet for scientists to publish their "news" or scientific discoveries.The fact that reviewers can do this while the world is metaphorically burning around them is a testament to their perseverance and dedication.