News

Call for papers - Human microbiome in health and disease 
Submission status: Open     Submission deadline: 31 October 2025

Updates

Amsterdam Microbiome Expert Centre (AMEC) Day 2025: Advancing Microbiome Science from Ecology to Health  
When: 13 February 2025   Where: Artis Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Microbiome Expertise Center (AMEC) 2025 Day brought together leading researchers, industry experts, and young scientists to explore the latest advancements in microbiome science. Held at the Artis "Koning’s hall" and "Tiger hall," the event revolved around the theme: From Microbial Ecology & Evolution to Health & Disease Prevention, Diagnosis, and Cure.

Key Themes and Highlights

Microbial Ecology & Evolution

The opening session explored microbial interactions in diverse ecosystems, from plant rhizospheres to marine and symbiotic communities. Speakers highlighted how microbial evolution shapes biodiversity and ecosystem stability, offering insights into broader applications for microbiome research.

Microbiomes in Health, Disease, and Therapeutic Interventions

Discussions spanned the role of the microbiome in health and disease, from metagenomics and microbial associations to causality. Experts explored its impact on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and inflammatory diseases, emphasizing the gut-brain connection. Advances in disease models, provided insights into microbiome-driven mechanisms. The final session focused on microbiome-based interventions, highlighting nutritional strategies, microbiome engineering, and therapeutic applications.

Networking

Beyond the scientific sessions, attendees engaged in multiple networking opportunities, including interactive discussions, poster sessions, and informal exchanges during breaks. These moments fostered collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and new research connections, strengthening the AMEC role as a hub for microbiome innovation.

Looking Ahead

The day concluded with reflections on key takeaways, future research priorities, and opportunities for collaboration within AMEC and the broader microbiome research community.

Public Outreach & Evening Program

The event extended into an engaging public session featuring a keynote lecture, interactive panel discussions, and an immersive art experience exploring the relationship between microbes, health, and food.

AMEC continues to foster innovation and collaboration in microbiome science. We look forward to AMEC 2026 and the discoveries ahead!

Markus & Johanna presented their posters @ the Mind, Mood & Microbes conference 
When: 11 - 12 February 2025   Where: Amsterdam

Prof. Dr. Sahar is featured in the ParkinsonFonds newsletter
When: November 2024   Where: ParkinsonFonds

Johanna received her Masters Diploma
@ Graduation ceremony Vrije Universiteit
When: 06 December 2024   Where: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Markus presented his research
@ Swammderdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) Seminar
When: 28 November 2024   Where: Amsterdam Science Park

Mink received his Masters Diploma
@ Graduation ceremony Groningen University
When: 27 November 2024   Where: Groningen University

Markus & Mink presented their posters
@ Amsterdam Microbiology SeminArs (AMSA)
When: 25 October 2024 Where: Amsterdam Science Park

Upcoming events

Workshop: Advancing Inter-regulation of Gastrointestinal Transport and Motility
When: 24 - 27 March 2025   Where: Lorentz center Leiden

Inaugural lecture Sahar El Aidy, titled: 'Thriving through Adaptation'
When: 25 April 2025; 16:30   Where: Aula - Oude Lutherse kerk, Singel 411 Amsterdam

Guest lecture by dr. Ali Keshavarzian from Rush University @ Swammderdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)
When: 18 June 2025   Where: to be determined

Dutch Neuroscience Meeting (DNM25)
When: 19 - 20 June 2025   Where: Van der Valk hotel Tiel

Dutch Microbiome Day (DMD)
When: 26 June 2025   Where: Wageningen Microbiome Center