We are delighted to sponsor the 12th International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB12) which is being held in Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands on 27–31 August 2017. This symposium will focus on the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and will showcase the current research and applications of this biotechnologically important group of bacteria.

As key agents in the process of food fermentation, lactic acid bacteria can be found in everyday food products such as yoghurt and cheese, and play a significant role in health-promoting probiotics. This growing field of research continues to grasp the interests of the research community.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews and the organizers of LAB12 have collaborated together to produce a supplement for this symposium, allowing you to explore the latest research from some of the key figures and speakers at LAB12. This LAB12 collection of articles is guest edited by Michiel Kleerebezem, Oscar P. Kuipers and Eddy J. Smid. Oscar Kuipers is a member of the European Academy for Microbiology (EAM).

The collected contributions in this thematic issue of FEMS Microbiology Reviews provide an excellent overview of the state of-the-art of research on LAB and related research fields. They were written by experts in the field and have gone through the standard peer-review process. They highlight fundamental advances in genetics and physiology of the LAB, but also pay attention to their applications in fermentation products and health-promoting dietary ingredients. We expect that this issue will further stimulate research aiming at deeper fundamental understanding of LAB, and will fuel innovation and application research to expand and improve the use of LAB in food and feed fermentation as well as in human and animal health promotion.

Michiel Kleerebezem, Oscar P. Kuipers and Eddy J. Smid, Guest Editors, FEM Microbiology Reviews

Whether you are attending LAB12 or not, we hope you enjoy this supplement from the lactic acid bacteria community.