All basic and applied life science research requires microorganisms as study specimens. Managing Microorganisms is the standard reference for anyone who works with microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi, but also algae and protozoa, yeasts, animal and human cells etc. It is applicable to researchers who maintain their own collections of strains, and those who use a public service culture collection. The book includes coverage of: methods of preservation and characterization for different groups of microorganismsbest practice guidelines for culture collection managementhow to protect investment in research with microorganismswhere to source microorganismshow to store, handle and distribute microorganisms effectively and safelyhow to design a sustainable business plan for a culture collectionhealth and safety issues, and the regulatory environmentEssential for academic researchers and students in applied life sciences, including biology, agriculture, medicine and biotechnology. Anyone working with microorganisms and culture collections, also consultants, biotechnologists and bioindustry.