Dear Reader,

On behalf of the BCCM, it is my pleasure to present you not only with best wishes for the coming year, but also with the 0th issue of BCCM News.

Why a newsletter? Over the last ten years, both the BCCM's staff and clients have felt a growing need for a more regular and interactive means of communication. During this decade, the Belgian Co-ordinated Collections of Micro-organisms, to use its full name, has evolved - through a Darwinian-like process - from independently operating research collections to the consortium of complementary science-based service-culture collections it is today.

Hence the BCCM's recent decision to launch a biannual 4-page newsletter, to be circulated to more than 6 000 people in over 50 countries. The motives behind this initiative reflect the aims of the BCCM's international client-oriented service platform - 'to foster continuously improving partnerships with the BCCM's clients'.

The present Introductory Issue of BCCM News should be seen as an 'appetiser', or 'mise en bouche' to use a French expression; and will prove, in consequence, to be rather atypical in comparison to future editions. This issue provides a general presentation of the BCCM as a tool at the service of professionals in fields as diverse as agriculture, food, human and veterinary medicine, fine and bulk chemistry, the environment (e.g. bioremediation), electronics, cosmetics and even the tertiary sector (e.g. 'bioaudits' in response to 'sick building syndrome').

The first regular issue - the Spring Issue - is scheduled for March/April, and will be followed by the Autumn Issue in September/October.

For each issue, the BCCM is planning to include, for example:

• a major Feature article;
• an Interview;
• the 'Bioinformatics Corner';
• a conference or book Review;
• Solutions to questions/problems (technical, regulatory, etc.) frequently encountered by BCCM clients.

In the interest of effectiveness and mutual benefit, it is the BCCM's intention to adapt the contents of BCCM News as much as possible to your own priorities. That is why I would like to end this introductory editorial with a sincere invitation for your critical feedback and constructive suggestions.

Thank you very much in advance for your valued future co-operation.