The Holomicrobiome project, a pioneering research initiative, is dedicated to studying the microbiomes in our entire food ecosystem. Financed by the Dutch National Growth Fund, the project aims to understand the mechanisms underlying microbiomes, consolidate this knowledge across domains, and support a mission-driven innovation ecosystem.
Background
Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, are all around us. Billions of them inhabit our intestines, skin, soil, and water, as well as fermented foods. Microorganisms, compete or collaborate to form microbiomes that can, for example, aid digestion, keep our skin healthy, and maintain ecological habitats. The microbiomes of agriculture fields, surface water, livestock farms, food companies, consumers, and patients are closely interconnected and influence each other across various sectors. Understanding these microbiomes and the complex relationships between them can lead to innovations that address complex societal problems such as climate change and health inequities.
Objectives
The Holomicrobiome project will initiate, integrate, and valorise foundational microbiome research from the complete ‘holomicrobiome’ of the Dutch food system - which extends from fields, wastewater and crops, to farm animals, food, and consumers and patients.
The objectives are to:
- Coordinate long-term microbiome research and innovation across the domains of agriculture, animal husbandry, healthcare, and water management.
- Together with partner institutions and coalitions, build a shared database that merges existing and new research and innovation data.
- Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and computational modelling to better understand and predict how localised interventions to microbiomes might have desirable effects to one microbiome, but possibly less desirable effects to another.
- Establish a public/private research institute – the Holomicrobiome Institute.
- Enable and accelerate the development and market entry of novel microbiome-related innovations that are both safe and societally relevant.
- Engage with society to co-develop microbiome innovations and transition pathways
Athena’s Role
The Athena Institute will coordinate Living Labs, reflexive monitoring and evaluation, as well as valorisation and outreach within the Holomicrobiome Initiative. This will help to develop transition pathways and mission-driven research and innovation across domains and sectors. Together with societal partners, universities, knowledge institutes, companies, and medical research institutes, Athena will work towards inclusive and societally relevant Holomicrobiome research and innovations for healthy humans and a sustainable planet.