Clarivate has just released the 2022 Journal Citation Reports®, and it is our great pleasure to inform that the journal has received its first official impact factor: 5.316. This is a major milestone for Microbial Cell, and we want to thank the authors, Editorial Board members and reviewers for their contribution to this crucial achievement. Both the award of an impact factor itself and the high score (5.316) highlight the value of Microbial Cell to microbiology and its consolidation as a respected journal in the field. We will continue to foster the confidence put in the journal by authors, editors and referees, and look forward to further support the dissemination of scientific advancements.