Meet the Stars

Professor Gwyn Beattie

Robert Earle Buchanan Distinguished Professor of Bacteriology, Iowa State University, USA

Professor Gwyn Beattie is the Robert Earle Buchanan Distinguished Professor of Bacteriology at Iowa State University, specializing in plant-microbe interactions, with a particular focus on how bacterial pathogens affect plant health. Her research delves into the genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying plant diseases, especially those caused by Pseudomonas syringae, an important model organism for studying bacterial pathogens on leaves.

Beattie's work also addresses the biology of insect-vectored vascular bacterial pathogens and the complex dynamics shaping soybean rhizosphere microbiomes under drought conditions. Her research integrates genomic approaches to uncover how bacterial pathogens survive, proliferate, and interact within plant environments, shedding light on how plants might better resist diseases, especially under environmental stressors like drought.

She is a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Annual Review of Phytopathology. Beattie is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research, reflecting her leadership and influence in plant pathology and microbiome research. Through her cutting-edge work, Beattie contributes significantly to improving plant resilience and health on both a molecular and ecosystem level, with her research being published in top-tier journals in the field.

Professor Peter Byck

Professor of Practice, School of Sustainability & School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, USA

Professor Peter Byck is a Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, holding joint appointments in the School of Sustainability and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is renowned for directing and producing the documentary Carbon Nation, which explores innovative solutions to climate change. Byck is also the creator of the Carbon Cowboys series, a collection of short films highlighting regenerative grazing practices among farmers and ranchers. 

In addition to his filmmaking, Byck leads a significant research initiative comparing Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing with conventional methods. This project involves collaboration with 20 scientists and 10 farming families, focusing on soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The research is featured in his recent docuseries, Roots So Deep (You Can See the Devil Down There), which examines the potential of regenerative grazing to address climate change. Byck's work effectively bridges science and storytelling, aiming to inspire sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.

Professor Francesca Cotrufo

Co-founder and Director of Science at Cquester Analytics LLC , Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, USA

Professor M. Francesca Cotrufo is a soil ecologist and biogeochemist, internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in litter decomposition and soil organic matter dynamics. She specializes in using isotopic methodologies to deepen understanding of these processes. Professor Cotrufo earned her B.Sc. from the University of Naples, Italy, and her Ph.D. from Lancaster University, UK. Before joining Colorado State University (CSU) in 2008, she was a professor at the University of Campania, Italy. Her research primarily focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that drive the formation and persistence of soil organic matter and how these are influenced by environmental changes. She uses this knowledge to refine models of soil carbon's feedback to climate change, with the ultimate goal of informing climate and land use policy. Additionally, Professor Cotrufo is committed to developing innovative techniques for soil carbon and health testing and promoting sustainable soil management practices to combat climate change.

Professor Cotrufo has also contributed extensively to research education and outreach initiatives. To amplify these efforts, she co-founded the Soil Carbon Solutions Center at CSU, a pioneering initiative dedicated to solving soil carbon issues. She is the editor of the journal Global Change Biology and has published over 160 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters. Her book, "A Primer on Stable Isotopes in Ecology," was published by Oxford University Press.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Web of Science in 2018, 2022, and 2023. She has also been the recipient of prestigious awards such as the SSSA Soil Science Research Award, the CSU Provost 14’er Award for Faculty Excellence, and the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Mentoring Award. In addition, she was honored as the Nutrien Distinguished Scholar of Agricultural Sciences, and MSU Eminent Ecologist, among others.

Beyond academia, Professor Cotrufo is an entrepreneur, co-founding Cquester Analytics, an analytical facility designed to advance accurate soil organic matter and carbon sequestration metrics on a large scale. This initiative is a collaboration of four women scientists aimed at enhancing the scientific approach to soil carbon testing and analysis.

Professor Thomas Crowther

Professor of Global Ecosystem Ecology , Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Professor Thomas Crowther is a world leader in soil biodiversity research at a global scale, working with his team at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. His research links soil biodiversity with plant productivity, carbon storage, and climate change. Crowther’s groundbreaking studies have advanced our understanding of ecosystem restoration and the critical role soil biodiversity plays in sequestering carbon and regulating global climate systems.

He is the founder of Restor, a science-based open-data platform that offers ecological insights and transparency to hundreds of thousands of conservation and restoration projects worldwide. In 2021, Crowther was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in recognition of his pioneering work in global nature conservation. Additionally, he serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the United Nations’ Trillion Trees Campaign.

His work continues to influence large-scale restoration efforts and contributes to the development of nature-based solutions for addressing climate change.

Dr Anna Edlund

Chief Scientific Officer, Oath Inc, USA

Anna Edlund is the Chief Scientific Officer at Oath Inc. She obtained her B.Sc. from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and earned her PhD in microbiology from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden. Before joining Oath, she served as an Associate Professor at the Department of Genomic Medicine at the J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla, USA.
 
Dr. Edlund, an internationally recognized microbial ecologist and bacterial genomics expert, has made significant contributions to the microbiome field. Her work includes various technological advancements and findings, such as the characterization and development of live biotherapeutics for the human gut, the creation of easy-to-manipulate biofilm ecosystem models for studying microbial community responses to stress, and the domestication of microbial dark matter—isolating microbes that are challenging to cultivate and study in the research lab. Additionally, she has contributed to the development of computer models that enhance our understanding of beneficial relationships between hosts, microbes, and the environment.
 
Dr. Edlund's main objective is to apply knowledge of the soil microbiome towards developing practical solutions to enhance planetary health, addressing both present and future challenges confronting humanity. As Oath’s CSO, she strives to bridge the gap between science and the corporate sector, offering expert knowledge in both directions. Together with her team, Dr. Edlund fosters new interactions and collaborations between world-leading scientists, governments, businesses, farmers, and landowners. They benefit from expert support from Oath’s scientific advisory board and Oath’s founding partners.
 
She has received multiple awards and research funding from governmental and private interests in the USA and Sweden. Dr. Edlund has also served as the president of the clinical translational science network at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), leading translational teams consisting of immunologists and microbiome experts. Additionally, she is a co-founder of MIXResearch Sweden, a research and consulting company providing eDNA monitoring services of biodiversity in global environments.
 

Professor Joana Falcão Salles

Professor of Microbial Community Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Netherlands

Professor Joana Falcao Salles is a professor in microbial community ecology at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. She is also an Honorary Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University in China. Salles earned her Ph.D. at Leiden University and completed postdoctoral research at Université Lyon 1 in France.

A member of the executive board of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME), Professor Salles focuses on understanding how microbial communities form and function in diverse environments and hosts. Her research applies ecological and evolutionary theories to explore the causes and consequences of microbial diversity, and the factors driving the development of microbial communities. Her work spans agricultural soils, salt marshes, and host organisms such as plants, arthropods, birds, mice, and humans.

Using experimental methods such as field, microcosm, and mesocosm experiments, combined with molecular techniques, metagenomics, and bioinformatics, Salles addresses fundamental and applied questions, including those relevant to agriculture and the bio-based economy. Her research is vital for understanding the roles of microbial communities in ecological systems and their potential applications.

Professor John Fernández

Director of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA

Professor John E. Fernández is Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Environmental Solutions Initiative, which mobilizes the MIT community in efforts toward a net-zero carbon, biodiverse, and equitable future. A professor in the Department of Architecture at MIT, Fernández is also affiliated with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and is a practicing architect. He founded and directs the MIT Urban Metabolism Group, which focuses on the resource flows and infrastructure of cities, aiming to develop solutions for urban sustainability and decarbonization.

Fernández holds leadership positions in several high-profile organizations, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Commission on BiodiverCities by 2030, the Urban Climate Change Research Network, and the Leadership Team of Oceanvisions. His work addresses urban biodiversity, resource-efficient design, and sustainable infrastructure. He has published extensively in top scientific and design journals such as Science, Building and Environment, Energy Policy, and the Journal of Industrial Ecology. Additionally, he has authored two books and numerous chapters in scientific anthologies.

Fernández is also a serial entrepreneur. He currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Lamarr.AI, a company that leverages automated data acquisition via drones and advanced machine learning models to provide expedited, highly accurate analysis of the thermal behavior of buildings, infrastructure, and cities.

Professor Jack Gilbert

President of AMI, Associate Vice Chancellor of Marine Science, EIC for mSystems, University of California San Diego (UCSD), USA

Professor Jack Gilbert is a globally recognized leader in microbial ecology, with a research focus on understanding how microbial communities interact with their environments, from soils and oceans to the human body. He is based at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), where he also holds affiliations with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

A co-founder of the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project, Gilbert has been instrumental in mapping the diversity and function of microbial ecosystems across the planet. His work extends beyond academia into innovation; he co-founded BiomeSense Inc., a company that produces automated microbiome sensors to monitor microbial communities in real-time.

With over 400 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Gilbert’s contributions to microbial ecology are vast. His expertise spans areas including environmental sustainability, human health, and climate change mitigation. He is also the co-author of "Dirt is Good", a popular science book aimed at educating parents on the importance of the microbiome for children's health.

In addition to his research, Gilbert is a vocal advocate for applying microbiome science to solve pressing global challenges such as food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach, combining fundamental science with practical applications, continues to shape policy, industry, and scientific advancements worldwide.

Professor Amy Grunden

WNR Professor of Microbiology & Assistant Director, North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, USA

Amy Grunden is an Assistant Director for the North Carolina Agricultural Research service and William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University. Amy earned her B.S. and PhD in Microbiology and Cell Sciences from the University of Florida. She was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Georgia before joining NCSU as an Assistant Professor of Microbiology in 2000

Amy has developed the use of microbes and microbial enzymes for crop improvement, biofuel production, fertilizer production, and bio-decontamination through projects funded by the USDA, DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, DSM Nutritionals, Inc. and HanesBrand, Inc. She is currently leading $32 M multinational Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) funded Collaborative Crop Resilience Program which is focused on harnessing plant microbiomes to enhance crop resilience. She is also an investigator on the NNF-funded Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration focused on developing scalable immobilized enzyme systems for carbon capture and nitrogen fixation.

Dr Lucy Harper

Chief Executive, Applied Microbiology International

Dr Lucy Harper is a medical biochemist, molecular biologist, and microbiologist by training, and currently serves as the Chief Executive of Applied Microbiology International (AMI). With a strong passion for microbial science and its far-reaching impacts, she leads AMI through a progressive, inclusive leadership style, ensuring that the organization harnesses diversity and collaboration across its operations to further its mission.

Dr Harper’s career trajectory began with scientific research in renal dopamine and salt-sensitive hypertension before transitioning to science communication with Med-Vet-Net, an EU project on zoonotic diseases. Her leadership focuses on amplifying microbiology’s role in addressing global challenges and advancing both the scientific field and its societal applications.

Professor Jo Handelsman

Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA

Professor Jo Handelsman is a Vilas Research Professor, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor, and currently the Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 1985, she has served on the faculty at both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Yale University. From 2014 to 2017, she served as Associate Director for Science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) under President Barack Obama, where she was a science advisor.

Handelsman has authored over 250 research papers, significantly contributing to our understanding of how soil microorganisms cooperate and antagonize each other. She is also known for pioneering the field of functional metagenomics, a technique that allows scientists to study genes from environmental samples to better understand microbial communities and their roles in various ecosystems. In addition to her scientific contributions, she founded Tiny Earth, a global initiative aimed at discovering new antibiotics from soil, particularly engaging students in this important research to combat antibiotic resistance. Handelsman’s advocacy extends to science education and improving diversity in the sciences.

She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors, further recognizing her profound contributions to microbial ecology and scientific innovation. Her many accolades include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, highlighting her commitment to education as well as research.

Professor Mette Haujberg Nicolasen

Associate Professor of Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Mette Haubjerg Nicolaisen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Her work focuses on microbial ecology and biotechnology, where she studies microbial interactions within environmental systems. Specifically, she has made significant contributions to understanding microbial processes in soil ecosystems, with a particular interest in how microbial communities influence plant health and soil function.

Nicolaisen's research combines both applied and fundamental microbiology, often utilizing molecular and genomic approaches to explore microbial diversity and the functional roles these microorganisms play in soil environments. She has co-authored several studies examining microbial consortia and their interactions, particularly how microbes can be leveraged to improve plant resilience and sustainability in agriculture.

Professor Rob Jackson

Professor of Earth System Science , Stanford University, USA

Professor Rob Jackson is an influential environmental scientist whose research focuses on how human activities impact the Earth, with particular attention to global warming, energy extraction, and land use changes. His work aims to generate fundamental scientific knowledge that can directly inform environmental policies and reduce the human environmental footprint. One of his key research areas includes examining how climate change and droughts are affecting forest and grassland ecosystems, as well as studying forest mortality under changing environmental conditions. Jackson also leads innovative efforts to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. He chairs the Global Carbon Project, a global consortium dedicated to tracking and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, his team has established a global network of methane tower measurements across more than 80 sites worldwide and is investigating methane emissions from oil and gas wells, as well as urban environments like city streets and homes.

Beyond his scientific endeavors, Rob Jackson is also a published author and photographer. He has written a trade book on the environment titled "The Earth Remains Forever" and two children's poetry books, "Animal Mischief" and "Weekend Mischief". His poems and photographs have appeared in prominent journals and media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Nature, and National Geographic.

Jackson's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and he is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Geophysical Union, and the Ecological Society of America. He was also awarded the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering by the National Science Foundation.

Professor Janet Jansson

Chief Scientist & Laboratory Fellow Emeritus, Pacific Northwest National Lab, USA

Dr. Janet K. Jansson is a world-renowned microbiologist with extensive expertise in microbial ecology, particularly in the study of complex microbial communities in diverse environments ranging from soil ecosystems to the human gut. Her pioneering research applies meta-omics technologies (such as metagenomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics) to unravel the roles of microbes in key ecological processes, including carbon cycling, biogeochemical transformations, and human health, providing insights crucial for both environmental sustainability and advancements in microbiome science.

Dr. Jansson has over 35 years of experience, having held prestigious positions at institutions including the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (as Professor and Chair of Environmental Microbiology, and Vice Dean), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, UC Berkeley, University of Copenhagen, and, most recently, as the Chief Scientist for Biology and Laboratory Fellow at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, the Washington State Academy of Science, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Jansson has authored over 250 publications, and her groundbreaking contributions have earned her a place on the list of the most highly cited researchers in the world for four of the last five years. She is also a Past President of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) and serves on national and international advisory panels, including for the National Academies of Sciences and the U.S. National Committee for Soil Science. In recognition of her contributions, she has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Helsinki.

Professor Paul Jensen

Professor of Marine Microbial Ecology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, USA

Professor Paul Jensen is based at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego. His research explores fundamental questions regarding the production of natural products by marine microbes and their exploitation for useful purposes, including drug discovery. Jensen is particularly known for his groundbreaking work on marine Actinobacteria, which led to the discovery of a novel group of Salinispora bacteria. This discovery opened up a new realm of bacterial genetics and natural products with important medicinal applications.

Among his most significant contributions is the discovery of salinosporamide A (also known as Marizomib), an anti-tumor compound produced by Salinispora. This compound is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials as a potential treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Jensen's research into the biology of these marine bacteria has paved the way for new therapeutic strategies, with the potential to significantly impact the field of oncology.

In addition to his pioneering work on Salinispora, Professor Jensen's research addresses broader questions about marine microbial ecology and the production of natural products, with a focus on their potential use in medicine. His work has resulted in over 250 peer-reviewed publications, and he has become a global leader in the field of marine microbiology.

Professor Jensen earned his PhD from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, an M.S. from San Diego State University, and a B.S. degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. He has made invaluable contributions to the discovery and development of microbial natural products, influencing both fundamental research and practical applications in drug discovery and environmental microbiology.

Professor Jay Lennon

Chair of the EEB Section, Department of Biology, Indiana University, USA

Jay T. Lennon is a Professor of Microbial Ecology at Indiana University, where he teaches courses such as "Quantitative Biodiversity" at the graduate level and "Microbiomes: Host and Environmental Health" to undergraduates. Prior to joining Indiana University, Lennon held faculty positions at Michigan State University and the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS). He completed his postdoctoral research at Brown University, earned a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College, a master’s degree from the University of Kansas, and a bachelor’s degree from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).

Lennon's research is driven by an interest in the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and sustain microbial biodiversity. His research group explores how this diversity impacts ecosystem stability and functioning, utilizing a combination of molecular biology, mathematical modeling, data synthesis, laboratory experiments, and fieldwork across a variety of habitats. Notably, Lennon’s group has pioneered research on microbial dormancy, uncovering how this state of reduced metabolic activity forms microbial seed banks, which contribute to complex ecological dynamics. They have also integrated microbial life into macroecological theory, leading to the groundbreaking estimate that Earth hosts 1 trillion microbial species. Additionally, Lennon’s team is known for studying the functional traits of microorganisms, particularly how they predict community dynamics and the broader functioning of ecosystems. His work has influenced a wide range of disciplines, including biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and climate change biology.

Beyond his research, Lennon holds prominent roles in the microbiology community. He serves as Chair of the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) task force on Climate Change and Microbes, which is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of microorganisms’ fundamental role in climate change. The task force also aims to inform policy development, guide advocacy efforts, and inspire microbe-based innovations to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Lennon’s extensive body of work has been instrumental in advancing microbial ecology, particularly in understanding how microbial diversity and dormancy contribute to ecosystem resilience and in linking microbes to global sustainability challenges.

Professor Thulani Makhalanyane

Department of Microbiology and the School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Professor Thulani Makhalanyane is an influential microbial ecologist whose research centers on the ecology of microbial communities in extreme environments, particularly focusing on the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic ecosystems. His groundbreaking work investigates how microbial life survives and thrives in some of the Earth's harshest conditions, revealing the complex interactions between microorganisms and their environment. His research provides critical insights into how these unique ecosystems respond to climate change and human activity.

Since earning his Ph.D. from the University of the Western Cape in 2013, Professor Makhalanyane has made significant contributions to the field. He has co-authored over 80 publications in top-tier scientific journals, including Nature, Science, PNAS, and The ISME Journal. His work extends from understanding the role of microbial communities in biogeochemical cycling to addressing global environmental challenges through microbial science. Professor Makhalanyane is also heavily involved in shaping scientific discourse through editorial leadership. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief for Reviews and Perspectives at The ISME Journal and is a Senior Editor at mSystems. His editorial roles allow him to influence the direction of microbiome research, particularly in the context of microbial ecology in extreme environments.

In addition to his academic and editorial roles, Professor Makhalanyane actively represents South Africa in bilateral scientific discussions and serves on numerous national and international panels, helping to guide the future of microbial ecology research. His leadership extends to the ISME Society, where he was elected to the board in October 2018. He is the Director of ISME’s Ambassador Program and a member of the Executive Advisory Board, focusing on promoting microbiome research globally.

Professor Makhalanyane's multidisciplinary approach and leadership continue to push the boundaries of microbial ecology, with his research playing a crucial role in understanding the impact of climate change on microbial ecosystems and advancing solutions for environmental sustainability.

Professor Jennifer Martiny

Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, , University of California, Irvine USA

Professor Jennifer Martiny is a microbial ecologist at the University of California, Irvine, whose research spans microbes across various ecosystems, with a particular focus on soil microbes and their drought tolerance. Her work explores the fundamental eco-evolutionary processes, such as selection and dispersal, that shape microbial community assembly, and how these processes influence ecosystem resilience, particularly in the face of environmental change.

Martiny serves as the Director of the Center for Microbiome Science at UC Irvine and is a Fellow of both the Ecological Society of America and the American Academy of Microbiology. She has been instrumental in fostering collaboration within the microbial ecology community, spearheading the Microbiome Centers Consortium, a coalition of 44 microbiome research centers across the United States.

Her contributions to understanding the role of microbial diversity in ecosystem functioning have earned her numerous accolades, including being the first recipient of the ISME Winogradsky Award in 2024. Professor Martiny’s work continues to drive significant advances in the study of microbial communities and their role in environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Professor Dianne Newman

Binder/Amgen Professor of Biology & Geobiology, Caltec, USA

Gordon M. Binder/Amgen Professor of Biology and Geobiology at Caltech. Dr. Newman’s interdisciplinary research focuses on elucidating mechanisms of energy conservation and survival when oxygen is scarce, with an emphasis on how redox-active extracellular electron shuttles sustain metabolically attenuated biofilms. The contexts that motivate her research span chronic human infections to the rhizosphere yet are linked by a basic curiosity about how a low power lifestyle is achieved.

Dr. Newman earned her PhD in Environmental Engineering at MIT with Francois Morel and trained as a postdoc in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School with Roberto Kolter.  She joined the Caltech faculty in 2000 as the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Geobiology and Environmental Science. From 2007-2010 she was the Wilson Professor of Biology and Geobiology at MIT, and from 2005-2016 a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. From 2014-2017 she co-directed the Microbial Diversity Course at the MBL. Her honors include the National Academy of Science’s Award in Molecular Biology and a MacArthur Fellowship, but she is most proud of her trainees, who have gone on to lead successful scientific careers in academia, industry, government, and the non-profit sector. Dr. Newman is a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Academy of Microbiology and the American Geophysical Union. Currently, she is leading the Ecology and Biosphere Engineering Initiative for Caltech’s Resnick Sustainability Institute and serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.

Professor Raquel Peixoto

Associate Professor of Marine Science, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

Professor Raquel Silva Peixoto is an environmental microbiologist, whose groundbreaking research focuses on the microbiome's role in marine ecosystems and the development of probiotics to protect marine life, particularly coral reefs, from the adverse effects of climate change. A professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Peixoto's innovative work is helping to restore coral health and enhance the resilience of oceanic ecosystems that are critically endangered by global warming, pollution, and other anthropogenic factors.

Peixoto has pioneered the use of Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals (BMCs), a probiotic treatment that helps corals withstand bleaching events and other stressors. Her multidisciplinary approach, blending microbial ecology, biotechnology, and environmental management, has led to significant advancements in understanding how microbiomes can be harnessed to mitigate environmental impacts. She is not only a key figure in the restoration and conservation of marine ecosystems but also advocates for sustainable biotechnological applications in addressing global environmental challenges.

Professor Raquel Silva Peixoto's research has been extensively published in leading scientific journals, where she has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles. Her work is highly interdisciplinary, merging fields such as microbial ecology, biotechnology, and environmental science, and she often collaborates with international networks of scientists working on coral reef restoration and other marine ecosystems. Her active collaborations span across global initiatives focused on marine microbiome restoration and biotechnological applications for conservation, with projects like the Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals (BMCs) demonstrating her leadership in cutting-edge solutions for safeguarding biodiversity. By advancing the use of probiotics and microbial treatments, she has paved the way for large-scale environmental conservation efforts that could have profound impacts on coral resilience in the face of climate change.

Professor Peixoto’s work represents a critical nexus between science, environmental policy, and public engagement, contributing both to applied science and sustainable conservation strategies for marine ecosystems worldwide. Her contributions remain at the forefront of global efforts to restore coral health and prevent the degradation of vital oceanic systems.

Professor Ian Sanders

Professor of Biology, University of Lausanne. Switzerland

Ian Sanders is a professor of biology at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing in mycorrhizal symbiosis, a critical interaction between fungi and plant roots that plays a significant role in global ecosystems. His research focuses on how these symbiotic relationships can be leveraged to improve soil health and enhance crop growth, particularly in regions facing agricultural challenges.

Sanders’ work has a strong applied component, particularly in using mycorrhizal fungi to support food security in developing countries. His projects span multiple continents, including field studies in Colombia, Kenya, and Tanzania, where he investigates how these symbioses can increase crop yields and soil quality. By exploring the genetic and epigenetic diversity of mycorrhizal fungi, Sanders aims to understand how these microorganisms can be optimized to promote plant health and resilience against environmental stresses, such as poor soil fertility or drought.

His groundbreaking research integrates fundamental lab-based studies with real-world applications, offering innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. Sanders’ work has been critical in showing the potential of mycorrhizal fungi as a natural tool for improving global food security and maintaining ecosystem health in the face of climate change.

Professor Jan Roelof van der Meer

Professor of Microbiology and Director of NCCR, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Professor Jan R. van der Meer is a microbiologist at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing in the interactions between bacteria and toxic or polluting substances, with a particular focus on how bacteria adapt to environmental contaminants and how these processes can be leveraged for bioremediation. His research is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms behind bacterial adaptation and the development of engineered microbial solutions to address environmental pollution.

Trained at the Agricultural University in Wageningen (Netherlands), Professor van der Meer has held positions at the Dutch Dairy Institute and the Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Research before joining the University of Lausanne. His extensive background in environmental microbiology has led him to explore how microorganisms can be used to clean up polluted environments. In addition to his academic achievements, Professor van der Meer serves as the Director of the Swiss National Centre for Competence in Research (NCCR) on Microbiomes, a collaborative initiative involving 24 partner institutions. This project aims to advance our understanding of microbiome development and functioning across various ecosystems, driving innovations in microbial research and environmental applications.

Professor van der Meer’s pioneering work in microbial biotechnology and biosensors continues to provide critical insights into the potential of microbes to address environmental challenges, making him a leading figure in the field of environmental microbiology.

Professor Alexandre Rosado

Professor of Bioscience, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST, Saudi Arabia

Professor Alexandre Rosado is a renowned environmental microbiologist whose groundbreaking work bridges the realms of basic and applied microbiology, with a particular focus on synthetic microbial communities, microbiome science, and the study of extremophiles—microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments. Based at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), his research is at the forefront of microbial diversity and evolution, employing cutting-edge multi-omics approaches to decode the evolutionary history, ecological roles, and metabolic capabilities of both free-living and symbiotic microorganisms.

Professor Rosado's expertise extends into the fascinating field of astrobiology, where he explores how extremophiles—organisms that survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth—might offer biotechnological solutions for crop production and even space colonization. His work aligns with global initiatives, including the 2030 vision for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to develop technologies for use in extraterrestrial environments. As space agencies worldwide invest in these research objectives, Rosado's insights are crucial in advancing both terrestrial and off-world biotechnological applications.

His research questions delve deeply into fundamental and applied science, asking: What novel genes, genomes, and microorganisms are present in diverse ecosystems? How can we leverage these biological resources to promote environmental and human health? What are the impacts of climate change and human activities on microbial communities, and how can we mitigate these effects? To answer these complex questions, his lab integrates a diverse range of multidisciplinary approaches, from computational modeling to experimental manipulation of microbial ecosystems.

Rosado's work not only enhances our understanding of microbial ecosystems but also seeks to harness this knowledge for practical, transformative applications. By designing and manipulating metabolic pathways in both natural and synthetic microbial systems, his research paves the way for revolutionary biotechnological innovations, including the discovery of novel enzymes, metabolic processes, and new evolutionary pathways. His contributions to the fields of microbiology and environmental science are both visionary and essential for addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Dr Chris Schadt

Environmental Microbiologist , Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Tennessee, USA

Christopher W. Schadt an environmental microbiologist and Distinguished Scientist in the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory with expertise in the influence of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and archaea) on biogeochemical cycles in soils and sediments, as well as their interactions with plant community members and crops. Additionally he has interest and expertise in development of molecular methodologies to track the distributions and activities of microorganisms across these environments. He received his Ph.D in 2002 under the direction of Prof. Steven Schmidt at the University of Colorado, Boulder; proceeding subsequent postdoctoral and then staff scientist appointments at ORNL. Dr. Schadt also is a Joint Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee in the Department of Microbiology and member of the Climate Change Science Institute at ORNL. He is an author of over 100 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters. 

Mark Stevenson

Co-founder, CUR8, UK

“Reluctant Futurist” Mark Stevenson is a strategic advisor to government, investors, NGOs, and corporates — and co-founder of carbon removals company CRU8.  

Though branded as a “futurist” by others, Mark, as one client puts it, “Chief Annoying Question Asker.” He helps organisations change the way they feel, think, invest, and operate in order to answer the intertwined questions the future is asking us —- on climate change, inequality, the retreat of democracy, and the failure of the markets to price risk properly (to name just four).  His two bestselling books, An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, and the award-winning, We Do Things Differently, map out some existing and proven solution to our current dilemmas.  

His is a Global Ambassador for environmental law firm, Client Earth, and former strategic advisor on peace, national security, and climate change to the UK Ministry of Defense.  

He also enjoys a successful side career as a comedy writer and songwriter, which he regards as essential for maintaining key skills needed in his strategy work. “The brain does the PR for what the heart has already decided, if you can’t speak to the heart, any systems change is dead in the water.” His hit podcast with comedian, Jon Richardson, and fellow systems change advocate, Ed Gillespie, is available on all major platforms. 

Professor Carsten Suhr Jacobsen

Head of the Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Carsten Suhr Jacobsen is a professor at Aarhus University, Denmark, specializing in environmental microbiology with a focus on soil ecosystems. His research investigates microbial diversity, particularly in agricultural soils, and the impact of human activities, such as pesticide use, on microbial communities. He has been involved in several international projects aimed at understanding the interactions between microbial communities and their environments, with the goal of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving soil health.

Professor Jacobsen's work employs advanced techniques, including multi-omics and microbial ecology tools, to explore how microbial processes can be harnessed for environmental restoration and ecosystem resilience. His research contributes to a better understanding of how soil microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant health, especially in the context of mitigating the negative impacts of pesticides and other pollutants. His research projects, such as GENEPEASE and INTERACT, focus on improving agricultural sustainability by leveraging microbial functions to enhance crop resilience and restore degraded ecosystems.

Jacobsen's contributions to environmental microbiology and his work on microbial interactions in agricultural systems are significant for advancing both scientific understanding and practical applications in soil health and sustainable farming.

Professor Kelly Wrighton

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, USA

Professor Kelly Wrighton is a leader in microbial ecosystems research, focusing on how microbial communities control biogeochemical processes, particularly in extreme environments. She leads the Microbial Ecosystems Laboratory at Colorado State University, where her research uses both computational systems biology and laboratory-based approaches to predict microbial metabolic potential and investigate the interactions between microorganisms and their environment.

Wrighton’s work is a fusion of holistic and reductionist methods, examining how microbial bioenergetics and interconnected community metabolisms influence chemical processes, especially in human-impacted environments like hydraulic fracturing sites. By coupling computational predictions with experimental data, her research advances the understanding of the role of microbes in carbon cycling, methane emissions, and contaminant degradation in both natural and engineered ecosystems. These insights are critical for addressing environmental challenges linked to climate change and resource extraction.

Before her tenure at CSU, Wrighton earned her PhD in Plant and Microbial Biology and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley under Dr. Jill Banfield, where she gained expertise in bioinformatics. Her multidisciplinary work in ecology, microbiology, and environmental science continues to contribute to significant advancements in microbial ecology, positioning her as a vital figure in both academic research and applied environmental sciences.

Professor Shibu Yooseph

Kravis Professor of Integrated Sciences: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Claremont McKenna College, USA

Professor Shibu Yooseph is a computational biologist and bioinformatician, currently serving as a professor of Integrated Sciences at Claremont McKenna College. His research focuses on the design and development of efficient algorithms for large-scale biological data analysis, particularly in genomics and microbiology. Before joining Claremont McKenna, Yooseph was a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Florida, where he also led the Genomics and Bioinformatics Faculty Research Cluster.

His work spans a variety of important projects, including contributions to the Human Genome Project and the Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition. Professor Yooseph’s expertise in computational biology allows him to explore how large-scale data can be harnessed to better understand microbial ecosystems and their interactions with the environment. His research continues to drive forward advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and the development of innovative computational tools for analyzing complex biological data.