Summary reposted from the MSE newsletter, now hosted by AMI!Subscribe to the newletter or join the group here.
MSE recently hosted its 5th annual summit, this year dedicated to exploring the concept of Microbiome Stewardship. Microbiome Stewardship is a concept that is intended to provide guiding insights, articulate responsibilities, and suggest practices aimed at maintaining microbial biodiversity and microbiome functioning across microbial habitats, which, in turn, supports the health and well-being of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. The summit consisted of two days of presentations (webinars) and two days of virtual workshop discussions.
We opened with two days of webinars featuring 12 speakers from wide-ranging fields of expertise, all focused on how social or environmental conditions impact health and microbiomes. This included an introduction to the concept of microbiome stewardship and guiding principles for its implementation, the need for diversification of fecal microbiome donors for health interventions, degradation of waterways and microbial transfer, the industrialization of food systems and the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the use of too-vague population descriptors in microbiome science, integrating systems-level thinking in microbiology curricula, and working with Indigenous communities on microbiome research. The webinars sparked imaginative and thoughtful questions from the 200 attendees (nearly 300 registrants), and set the stage for the subsequent two days of workshops. We also shared a working draft of the Microbiome Stewardship Guiding Principles document with attendees, and welcomed feedback. We hope to submit that manuscript for peer review and publication soon.
Workshop attendance was by application, and restricted to 50 attendees across the two days, which focused on host and environmental microbiomes, respectively. For each workshop day, attendees self-organized into breakout rooms focusing on different disciplines or themes. Speakers, MSE and Microbiome Stewardship researchers, and attendees discussed the challenges and opportunities for their respective fields, what was needed to achieve more integration between research and education or policy, and how to incorporate the principles of stewardship into their respective research. These conversations helped realize existing areas of overlap between our work, and identify compatible expertise that was needed to explore these interdisciplinary research questions. Similar themes and challenges emerged across workshop days and discussion groups, highlighting opportunities to strengthen the microbiome stewardship and paths to implementation.
The live sessions were recorded to accommodate our global audience who were unable to make the session, and can be viewed here. While the workshops were not recorded, the thoughtful discourse from throughout the seminar and workshops will be used to inform that guiding principles publication-in-development, as well as future publications and output over the next 2-3 years from the collaborations which germinated during the breakout room sessions.
Please note, the webinars and the workshop each require registration to help us manage attendance.
Who should attend?
Students, and professionals from any discipline, are encouraged to attend! The summit is highly interdisciplinary and we welcome diverse perspectives: research presentation and workshop activities represent microbiome, ethics, health, food systems, ecology, and environmental sciences, and more!
What’s the summit about?
Microbiome stewardship is the broad idea that we need to consider ecosystem-level factors when we think about public health, as our environment, behaviors, and public policy affects interactions between microbes and human health. Our ability to develop practices and advocate for policy reform that address societal inequities is limited without a strong microbiome stewardship framework. Led by MSE and the Microbiome Stewardship working group, attendees of the webinars will learn how other researchers engage with microbiome or health stewardship. Participants of the workshops will plan a pathway to bring their own work in line with principles of conservation and stewardship, or design future research to provide tangible and meaningful stewardship endpoints relevant to their area of focus.
Webinars and Case Studies (Monday and Tuesday): Open to everyone, these sessions will feature insightful presentations from leading researchers, policymakers, and community leaders. Join us to hear the latest in microbiome science, social equity, and public health, and leave with new perspectives and ideas to help shape future efforts.
Interactive Workshops (Wednesday and Thursday): Selected participants will come together in these collaborative sessions to co-develop case studies that integrate research, practice, and policy. With a focus on actionable outcomes, these workshops provide an opportunity to work closely with experts and contribute directly to the development of a global microbiome stewardship framework. Participation is by application, ensuring a diverse group of voices and expertise.
Date: Monday July 7, 2025. 12:00 ~ 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Welcome and Intro to the Summit Sue Ishaq, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Maine; Founder and Lead, MSE
The Concept of Microbiome Stewardship Kieran O’Doherty, PhD, Professor, University of Guelph; MSE
Indigenous perspectives on microbiome stewardship and public health. Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, MPH, Associate Professor, Western Research Chair & Director, Indigenous Planetary Health; Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Schulich; Interfaculty Program in Public Health, University of Western Ontario
Interpreting the Flora, Interrupting the Frame: Race and Responsibility in Vaginal Microbiome Research Ari Kozik, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
Microbiome-based therapeutics in clinical practice: how can we be better stewards? Susy Hota, MD, MSc, FRCPC. Division Head, Infectious Diseases, University Health Network and Sinai Health; Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, University Health Network; Co-Lead of the Microbiota Therapeutics Outcomes Program; Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto
The political economy of emerging digital data collection platforms and applications with microbial stewardship. Victor Secco, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage, Ca Foscari University of Venice
Communities and Contexts in Childhood Microbiome Research. Justine Debelius, PhD. Assistant Scientist, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Welcome and Intro to the Summit. Sue Ishaq, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Maine; Founder and Lead, MSE
Microbiome stewardship curricular design using MSE themes Carla Bonilla, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, University of San Diego; MSE
The Concept of Microbiome Stewardship Mallory Choudoir, PhD, Assistant Professor and Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University; MSE
Microbes, microbiomes and biodiversity conservation Kent Redford, PhD, Principal, Archipelago Consulting
Built environment and microbiome engineering: Responsible Development and Engagement Jennifer Kuzma, PhD, Professor, School of Public and International Affairs; Co-Director, Genetic Engineering & Society Center; Associate Director, Precision Microbiome Engineering Center (PreMiEr, NSF-ERC); North Carolina State University Kristen Landreville, PhD, Senior Research Scholar, Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) Core in the PreMiEr Engineering Research Center, North Carolina State University
Intersections Between the SDOH and Community-Acquired Antibiotic Resistance: A New Role for Environmental Surveillance? Maya Nadipalli, PhD, Assistant Professor, Emory University
Engaging with Indigenous perspectives related to subsurface microbiome research Professor Josh Neufield, PhD, Professor, University Research Chair, University of Waterloo
Workshop Sessions 1 and 2: Stewardship Planning Activities
Session 1: Focus on Host Microbiomes, Wednesday July 9, 2025, 1:00 ~ 3:30 PM Eastern Time Session 2: Focus on Environmental Microbiomes, Thursday July 10; 1:00 ~ 3:30 PM Eastern Time
We will use Zoom Breakout Rooms to form groups of 5 -10 people based on several topic themes. Each group will be led by an invited speaker and an MSE group member, and group notetaking will be facilitated using shared online documents.
Discussion 1 (Foundations)
How does the connection between microbiomes and health (human and non-human) relate with your work? What needs to be stewarded/protected in your area of expertise? To achieve goals of microbiome stewardship in your area, what interdisciplinary partnerships, or research or education programs need to be developed? What problems exist in your field that prevent implementing research or policy solutions?
Discussion 2 (Policy Connections) What are the policy domains we need to target for protection of microbial ecosystems to ensure positive health outcomes? What kind of policies could be effective in helping to maintain microbiome health? What agencies or organizations might oversee regulations for the protection of microbial ecosystems? How could one begin to advocate for microbiome health in various policy domains?
Group activity: Create your path to microbiome In Zoom Breakout Rooms organized by broad topics, we will generate case studies related to our own work which would include microbiome stewardship.First, use the template provided to draw your pathway. Then, design a project or research that would advance you along that path. Finally, identify a task list, time table, list of needs, and list of goals/outputs for the project.
Discussion 3 (Getting Microbiome Stewardship onto the Agenda) How can we raise awareness about the importance of microbial ecologies in human and planetary health? How can we get the protection of microbial ecosystems onto policy maker agendas? What initiatives currently exist with whom we can seek partnerships?
Please note, the webinars and the workshop each require registration to help us manage attendance.
Who should attend?
Students, and professionals from any discipline, are encouraged to attend! The summit is highly interdisciplinary and we welcome diverse perspectives: research presentation and workshop activities represent microbiome, ethics, health, food systems, ecology, and environmental sciences, and more!
What’s the summit about?
Microbiome stewardship is the broad idea that we need to consider ecosystem-level factors when we think about public health, as our environment, behaviors, and public policy affects interactions between microbes and human health. Our ability to develop practices and advocate for policy reform that address societal inequities is limited without a strong microbiome stewardship framework. Led by MSE and the Microbiome Stewardship working group, attendees of the webinars will learn how other researchers engage with microbiome or health stewardship. Participants of the workshops will plan a pathway to bring their own work in line with principles of conservation and stewardship, or design future research to provide tangible and meaningful stewardship endpoints relevant to their area of focus.
Webinars and Case Studies (Monday and Tuesday): Open to everyone, these sessions will feature insightful presentations from leading researchers, policymakers, and community leaders. Join us to hear the latest in microbiome science, social equity, and public health, and leave with new perspectives and ideas to help shape future efforts.
Interactive Workshops (Wednesday and Thursday): Selected participants will come together in these collaborative sessions to co-develop case studies that integrate research, practice, and policy. With a focus on actionable outcomes, these workshops provide an opportunity to work closely with experts and contribute directly to the development of a global microbiome stewardship framework. Participation is by application, ensuring a diverse group of voices and expertise.
Date: Monday July 7, 2025. 12:00 ~ 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Welcome and Intro to the Summit Sue Ishaq, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Maine; Founder and Lead, MSE
The Concept of Microbiome Stewardship Kieran O’Doherty, PhD, Professor, University of Guelph; MSE
Indigenous perspectives on microbiome stewardship and public health. Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, MPH, Associate Professor, Western Research Chair & Director, Indigenous Planetary Health; Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Schulich; Interfaculty Program in Public Health, University of Western Ontario
Interpreting the Flora, Interrupting the Frame: Race and Responsibility in Vaginal Microbiome Research Ari Kozik, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
Microbiome-based therapeutics in clinical practice: how can we be better stewards? Susy Hota, MD, MSc, FRCPC. Division Head, Infectious Diseases, University Health Network and Sinai Health; Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, University Health Network; Co-Lead of the Microbiota Therapeutics Outcomes Program; Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto
The political economy of emerging digital data collection platforms and applications with microbial stewardship. Victor Secco, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage, Ca Foscari University of Venice
Communities and Contexts in Childhood Microbiome Research. Justine Debelius, PhD. Assistant Scientist, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Welcome and Intro to the Summit. Sue Ishaq, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Maine; Founder and Lead, MSE
Microbiome stewardship curricular design using MSE themes Carla Bonilla, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, University of San Diego; MSE
The Concept of Microbiome Stewardship Mallory Choudoir, PhD, Assistant Professor and Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University; MSE
Microbes, microbiomes and biodiversity conservation Kent Redford, PhD, Principal, Archipelago Consulting
Built environment and microbiome engineering: Responsible Development and Engagement Jennifer Kuzma, PhD, Professor, School of Public and International Affairs; Co-Director, Genetic Engineering & Society Center; Associate Director, Precision Microbiome Engineering Center (PreMiEr, NSF-ERC); North Carolina State University Kristen Landreville, PhD, Senior Research Scholar, Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) Core in the PreMiEr Engineering Research Center, North Carolina State University
Intersections Between the SDOH and Community-Acquired Antibiotic Resistance: A New Role for Environmental Surveillance? Maya Nadipalli, PhD, Assistant Professor, Emory University
Engaging with Indigenous perspectives related to subsurface microbiome research Professor Josh Neufield, PhD, Professor, University Research Chair, University of Waterloo
Workshop Sessions 1 and 2: Stewardship Planning Activities
Session 1: Focus on Host Microbiomes, Wednesday July 9, 2025, 1:00 ~ 3:30 PM Eastern Time Session 2: Focus on Environmental Microbiomes, Thursday July 10; 1:00 ~ 3:30 PM Eastern Time
We will use Zoom Breakout Rooms to form groups of 5 -10 people based on several topic themes. Each group will be led by an invited speaker and an MSE group member, and group notetaking will be facilitated using shared online documents.
Discussion 1 (Foundations)
How does the connection between microbiomes and health (human and non-human) relate with your work? What needs to be stewarded/protected in your area of expertise? To achieve goals of microbiome stewardship in your area, what interdisciplinary partnerships, or research or education programs need to be developed? What problems exist in your field that prevent implementing research or policy solutions?
Discussion 2 (Policy Connections) What are the policy domains we need to target for protection of microbial ecosystems to ensure positive health outcomes? What kind of policies could be effective in helping to maintain microbiome health? What agencies or organizations might oversee regulations for the protection of microbial ecosystems? How could one begin to advocate for microbiome health in various policy domains?
Group activity: Create your path to microbiome In Zoom Breakout Rooms organized by broad topics, we will generate case studies related to our own work which would include microbiome stewardship.First, use the template provided to draw your pathway. Then, design a project or research that would advance you along that path. Finally, identify a task list, time table, list of needs, and list of goals/outputs for the project.
Discussion 3 (Getting Microbiome Stewardship onto the Agenda) How can we raise awareness about the importance of microbial ecologies in human and planetary health? How can we get the protection of microbial ecosystems onto policy maker agendas? What initiatives currently exist with whom we can seek partnerships?
The Ishaq Lab 