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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