The 50th anniversary of the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society

On this occasion of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society's (IBBS) Golden anniversary and celebration, it is important to highlight the major achievements made to its growth and publicity of the development of the society, and also to reflect by individual's story. Here I would also like to put a personal touch on my experience with the society for more than 30 years as a member first and, later on, with the journal itself by including some personal memorable moments. At the same time, the dynamic changes with the journal have been evident over the past decade due to new focus of research topics, and available publishing technologies and new business model opportunities. There are many new challenges ahead for both the journal and the society as a whole to face and to deal with the new changes now and also in the future. In addition, to embrace the changes of the society around us, active engagement of young researchers as members and identification of new areas of investigation and development will be vital to both the journal and also the society to maintain and improve its competitive edge and impact on new research and to serve the scientific community. My recommendations to accomplish this are also shared on specific focal and new emerging areas of the journal through a reflection of the journal's recent history and development.