Dear Microbiome Enthusiasts,

As 2024 draws to a close, we take pride in reflecting on a year of remarkable achievements and progress for the MicrobiomeSupport Association. Since our founding in November 2023, we have made significant strides in advancing the understanding and importance of microbiomes in sustainable food systems.

This year began with a major milestone in May when we held our 1st General Assembly, formally establishing our governance structure. We were delighted to elect Angela Sessitsch (AIT) as our President and Luca Cocolin (UNITO) as Vice-President, setting the stage for effective leadership. Importantly, our Founding Members assumed roles as Extended Executive Board members, taking on the critical responsibility of strategically steering the association toward its goals. Another exciting development was the appointment of Tanja Kostic as a Managing Director, who now oversees day-to-day operations and serves as a key contact point for our partners, ensuring smooth coordination and communication within our growing network.

The year also marked our debut as hosts of the 1st Food System Microbiomes Conference in Torino, an event that brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the role of microbiomes in sustainable and resilient food systems. Beyond our own event, we proudly represented our mission at key external gatherings, including EIT Food’s Next Bite in Rome and the Food Revolution Conference in Parma. We were also honoured to present at the 6th Plenary Meeting of the International Bioeconomy Forum, gaining recognition on an international stage.

In November, we reached another exciting milestone by becoming a partner in a new EU-funded project, DELICIOUS, further solidifying our role as a key player in advancing microbiome-related research and innovation across Europe.

To deepen our impact, we launched two dedicated working groups. The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) Task Force, under the leadership of Emmanuelle Maguin (INRAE), has been shaping a shared vision and strategic roadmap for advancing microbiome research. Meanwhile, the Regulatory Working Group, expertly led by Yolanda Sanz (CSIC), is tackling critical policy and regulatory challenges to pave the way for the integration of microbiomes into food systems innovation. Their leadership has been instrumental in driving these efforts forward.

Membership growth has been another highlight of 2024. We welcomed new members into the MicrobiomeSupport Association, strengthening our community and extending our reach. Each new member brings unique insights and expertise, enriching our collective efforts to advance microbiome awareness and innovation.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be an even more dynamic year. We are already planning the next edition of the Food System Microbiomes Conference, which will build on the success of this year’s event. Expanding our membership base and continuing our work to promote the importance of microbiomes to policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders will also remain at the forefront of our efforts.

None of this progress would have been possible without the dedication of our Founding Members, partners, and supporters. Your contributions have been instrumental in building the strong foundation we stand on today.

We invite you to stay connected with us:

Together, we can unlock the full potential of microbiomes to drive innovation and sustainability in 2025 and beyond.

Warm regards,
The MicrobiomeSupport Association Team