Microbiomes
The research focuses on microbiomes: the collection of billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that are all around us. They have major effects on the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. Microorganisms in our intestines are the best known, but microbiomes are everywhere: on our skin, in the soil, in water, in plants and animals. Microbiomes play an important role in problems such as chronic diseases, antibiotic resistance, declining soil and water quality and nitrogen emissions. Together, all microbiomes form a microbiological network all around us: a holomicrobiome.
Pioneering approach
This is the first time a project focusses on microbiomes in the entire food system. Knowledge institutes, companies and research institutes will examine the complex relations between microbiomes and sustainability and health. In parallel, the Athena Institute will bring together parties within Dutch agriculture, food production, healthcare, and soil and water management. “Through inclusive co-creation processes, we connect developments within the project with needs and opportunities in practice”, says Athena researcher Linda van de Burgwal, who works together with colleagues Pim Klaassen and Kristiaan Kok. “This allows us to valorise faster and achieve greater societal impact.”
From better food and health to nitrogen reduction and circularity
Major societal innovations for all parts of the food system will emerge from the research: from healthier food to medical treatments, from sustainable and circular agriculture, to better soil and water quality and reduced greenhouse gas and nutrient emissions.
Broad collaboration
The core team of involved parties consists of ten Dutch universities (VU - Athena Institute, AIMMS and ACTA -, RU, RUG, TUD, UL, UM, UT, UU, UvA, and WUR) and six medical research institutes (ACTA, Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, LUMC, Radboud UMC and UMCG). Numerous companies and knowledge institutes additionally joined as partners. In total, 16 universities, 46 private partners, 11 public partners and 19 supporters are united in the consortium.
Dutch National Growth Fund
Seven applications of VU Amsterdam have been positively evaluated by the Dutch National Growth Fund. Mirjam van Praag, Chair of the VU Executive Board, responded with delight to the approval: "This is fantastic news. Our society faces tremendous challenges, including nature restoration, climate change, healthcare personnel shortages, and the quality of education. With the contribution from the National Growth Fund, VU Amsterdam, together with partners, can continue to invest in essential knowledge development and valorization to address these challenges and contribute to a better world."
