Together with researchers from the Microbiome Innovation Centre at the University of Liverpool, the National Biofilms Innovation Centre, the Quadram Institute, and Nottingham Trent University, Microbiome-Net aims to strengthen microbiome research and drive its application to some of the world's most pressing health and environmental challenges.
The three-year programme is Co-Directed by Professor Jo Fothergill, Professor of Medical Microbiology and Director of the Microbiome Innovation Centre at the University of Liverpool and Professor Jo Slater-Jefferies, CEO at the National Biofilms Innovation Centre.
Microbiome science is unlocking transformative solutions for global challenges, from health and antimicrobial resistance to food security and climate change. Microbiomes are the unique communities of microorganisms in our bodies and environments, and they influence everything from human wellbeing to agricultural productivity. The UK stands at the forefront of innovation, with sectors like healthcare, nutrition, personal care, and agriculture poised to benefit. Global markets for microbial bioproducts, such as probiotics and agricultural biologicals, are booming, valued at $71 billion and $16 billion respectively. Yet, progress can be slowed by fragmented research and limited collaboration between academia and industry. Bridging these gaps is key to unleashing the full potential of microbiome innovation.
To address these challenges and take advantage of opportunities offered, Microbiome-Net will contribute to BBSRC's strategic priorities in agriculture and food security, industrial biotechnology and bioscience for health. It will build on the legacy of the former Innovate UK Microbiome Knowledge Transfer Network by creating a 'network of networks' that unites researchers, innovators, and institutions across the UK. Its goal is to enhance capacity, support innovation, and foster a more connected and collaborative national microbiome innovation ecosystem.
Microbiome-Net will be strengthened by the expertise of two established networks at Oxford that are already driving discovery in this field. The Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies (OCMS), based at the Kennedy Institute, brings together scientists from across multiple University of Oxford departments to explore how microbial communities influence health and disease. With state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary expertise spanning computational biology, immunology, gnotobiotics and microbial cultivation, OCMS provides a collaborative hub that enables researchers to generate deeper insights into the role of microbes in conditions ranging from arthritis and cancer to ageing and mental health.
Complementing this, the Oxford Microbiome Network (OMiN) was launched in May 2024 to connect microbiome researchers across the University. Co-led by the Kennedy Institute and the Department of Biology, OMiN facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing and access to resources, creating a vibrant forum for scientists working on microbiomes across diverse systems and applications.