26th BioSC Lecture

March 23, 2022 | 10:00 h

MicrobiomeSupport:
Towards coordinated microbiome R&I activities in the food system to support (EU and) international bioeconomy goals

Dr. Tanja Kostic, Senior Research Engineer, Competence Unit Bioresources
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH

Microbiomes have crucial roles in maintaining life on Earth, and their functions drive human, animal, plant and environmental health. The microbiome research landscape is developing rapidly and is performed in many different science fields using similar concepts but mostly one (eco)system at-a-time. Thus, we are only starting to unravel and understand the interconnectedness of microbiomes across the (eco)systems. MicrobiomeSupport is a Coordination and Support Action with the overall objective to analyse opportunities and barriers related to the microbiome R&I activities in the food system. Our vision is to see microbiome products and applications in use that support the transition to a future-proof food system in line with Food2030 priorities. To achieve this, MicrobiomeSupport established an international network of experts and stakeholders in the microbiome food systems research field.

Key outcomes include

• database containing information on microbiome activities, programmes and facilities
  along the food chain and beyond in the EU and worldwide
• recommendations for an internationally agreed microbiome definition, best practices
  and standards, as well as consistent protocols in research
• establishment of a dialogue between multiple stakeholders (i.e. representatives from
  science, industry, policy, funding and regulatory bodies)
• publications showcasing microbiomes potential and current hurdles for their full
  exploitation

educational materials for the general public

Detailed information on the project and link to resources can found at
www.microbiomesupport.eu or @MicrobiomeEU.