Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast!

In this episode, we are joined by Elin Videvall, an evolutionary biologist and microbiome researcher at Uppsala University whose work explores the hidden microbial world of wild animals. From ostriches and reindeer to birds, giraffes, and other wildlife, her research investigates how microbial communities influence animal health, survival, evolution, and conservation.

Together with our host Pamela Ferretti, dr. Videvall discusses how early-life microbial exposure can shape growth and survival, why captivity can dramatically alter animal microbiomes, and how microbes may represent a missing piece in wildlife conservation efforts. The conversation also explores surprising differences between the microbiomes of mammals and birds, the challenges of studying microbes in free-ranging animals, and the vast microbial diversity that remains undiscovered in nature.

A fascinating discussion on wildlife, ecology, conservation, and the invisible microbial communities that help shape life in the wild.

Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by professor Alexandre Soares Rosado, a microbial ecologist whose research spans extreme environments, astrobiology, biotechnology, and microbiome science. As Professor of Bioscience at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, he investigates how microbial communities adapt and thrive across deserts, mangroves, marine systems, and even planetary analog environments.

Together with our hosts Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic and Christina Pavloudi, Professor Rosado reflects on his journey into microbiology, the hidden complexity of so-called “extreme” ecosystems, and the role of collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. The conversation also explores desert microbiomes, planetary simulation chambers, the future of microbiome research, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the way scientists study life on Earth — and beyond.

A fascinating and forward-looking discussion on microbes, resilience, exploration, and the future of life in a changing world.

Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by three inspiring voices from the ISALA citizen science initiative: Sarah Ahannach, Sandra Condori, and Josiane Kenfack. ISALA is a pioneering citizen-science initiative from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, dedicated to advancing our understanding of the female microbiome.
Together with our host Anna Cuscó, the guests explore the origins and evolution of ISALA, the growth of its international “sisterhood” projects, and the challenges and opportunities of adapting citizen science across different cultural contexts.
A rich and inspiring discussion on collaboration, inclusion, and the future of women’s health research through citizen science.
Want to know more about ISALA? Visit: https://isala.be
Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. A. Murat Eren - known to many as Meren - a computer scientist turned microbial ecologist whose work has fundamentally reshaped how researchers analyze and visualize complex microbiome data. Now based at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity in Germany, Meren is a leading advocate for open, reproducible, and community-driven science.
Together with our hosts Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic and Christina Pavloudi, he reflects on his unconventional path to microbes, the birth and evolution of the open-source platform anvi’o, and the realities of sustaining community software in modern microbiome research. The conversation also explores mentoring and transparency in academia.
A thoughtful and forward-looking discussion on open science, collaboration, and the future of microbiome research.
Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to the second episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by scientific microbiome writer Kristina Campbell, who brings a unique and personal perspective on how microbiome research is translated from the lab to real-world health and medicine. From fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics to emerging microbiome startups, Kristina shares what it takes to communicate complex science with accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
Together with our host Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic, they dive into the most surprising discoveries in microbiome science, the biggest unanswered questions in the field, and where microbiome research may be headed in the next five years. A thoughtful and timely discussion about the power of rigorous science communication in a rapidly evolving field.
Want to know more about MVIF?

Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to our first episode of MVIF Conversations - the Podcast! Today, we sit down with Jack Gilbert, professor at UC San Diego, and one of the world’s leading microbiome scientists. Together with our hosts, Stefanie Malan-Müller and Christina Pavloudi, they explore how microbes shape our health and our environment. A lively, thought-provoking start to the series that will change how you think about the invisible world around you.

Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

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