As Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (IDCM) prepares for 2026, the Journal has reached an important stage. In recent years, IDCM has shown steady growth. At the same time, the journal has strengthened its focus on scientific quality. The data clearly show that IDCM is not only publishing more articles but is also becoming a stronger and more established journal in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology.
Figure 1. Number of submission by year (2021–2025).
One clear sign of this progress is the increase in manuscript submissions. Over the past five years, the number of submissions has almost quadrupled. In 2025, we received 45% more articles compared with 2024 (please see Figure 1). This shows growing trust from authors and increasing international interest in the Journal. Along with this growth, IDCM has become more selective. Both desk rejection and overall rejection rates have increased (to 52% and 72%, respectively). This reflects our clear goal to publish studies with strong methods, clinical importance, and original ideas.
Figure 2. Number of original and other articles published in IDCM by year (2019–2025).
The content of the Journal has also developed. The number of original research articles has increased (Figure 2). At the same time, IDCM continues to publish review articles, selected case-based papers with educational rationale, and other article types. This balanced approach helps support both new research and practical information for daily clinical work.
Starting in 2026, we strongly encourage authors to prepare a graphical abstract, either before or after manuscript acceptance. Authors may use the Journal’s Graphical Abstract Design Library, which includes ready-to-use templates and sample graphical abstracts prepared in PowerPoint format. Alternatively, authors may submit the data they wish to be visualized to the IDCM design team, which will prepare a graphical abstract on their behalf, free of charge.
Editorial efficiency is another important goal for the Journal. During periods of rapid growth, review times may change. However, recent data show improvement in time to acceptance. This improvement is the result of better editorial processes, the strong efforts of associate editors, and the valuable work of our reviewers. Their careful and timely reviews are essential to the quality of the Journal.
To respond to continued growth and better support authors and readers, IDCM will change to a bimonthly publication schedule in 2026. The journal will move from four to six issues per year. This change will allow accepted articles to be published more quickly and will increase the visibility of published work.
This progress is only possible with the strong support of our community. I would like to sincerely thank our authors for submitting their work to IDCM. I also thank our reviewers for their time, expertise, and commitment. Finally, I thank our Editorial Board members for their guidance and leadership.
As we move into 2026, IDCM remains committed to ethical publishing, careful peer review, and the publication of high-quality research. We look forward to continuing this journey together with our authors, reviewers, and readers. We extend our best wishes to our readers and reviewers for a healthy, productive, and successful year ahead.