Microbiome One Health Innovation Network – MicrOHbIome-Net

We will develop a proactive and sustainable Microbiome One Health Innovation Network (MicrOHbIome-Net) to take advantage of the enormous potential in microbiome science for providing solutions to global health and environmental challenges. Microbiomes are specific communities of microorganisms in the body, such as bacteria in the gut, which can significantly affect health and have wide-ranging impacts across humans, animals, plants, soils and the environment. Microbiome science holds huge potential for helping solve some of the world’s most important challenges including health and wellbeing, antimicrobial resistance, pandemics, agricultural productivity, food security and climate change. Multiple sectors of the UK economy, including personal care, healthcare, nutrition and agriculture, offer significant opportunities for innovative microbiome solutions. Microbial bioproduct-relevant global markets such as agricultural biologicals and probiotics for human and livestock are worth $16 billion and $71 billion respectively and continue to grow1. However, progress is hampered by translation and innovation that has been slowed by complexities in research approaches, siloed working across topics and disconnect between academia and industry. To address these challenges and take advantage of opportunities offered, MicrOHbIome-Net will contribute to BBSRC's strategic priorities in agriculture and food security, industrial biotechnology and bioscience for health by fostering collaboration, innovation, and translational research across these domains. By enhancing visibility, accessibility, and connectivity among a wide range of stakeholders, nationally and internationally, this network will help the UK to be at the forefront of microbiome research and innovation and accelerate the pace of innovation and research. MicrOHbIome-Net will combine the newly launched Microbiome Innovation Hub by the University of Liverpool and CPI and academic microbiome networks, including the East Midlands Microbiome network, Imperial College and Glasgow, drawing together industry, academia, government, funders, investors, and regulators. This will deepen interconnectedness and enhance sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, crucial for translating cutting-edge microbiome research into market-ready solutions and enhancing the UK economy and society at large. This model of connectivity has been proven by network partner, the National Biofilms Innovation Centre. The KTN Microbiome Innovation Network (KTN-MIN) provided a strategic roadmap in 2021 which informs our approach. Funding for that network has finished and there is now an urgent need to build and develop this much further. This new network will offer many advantages. Economically, it can boost the UK’s GDP by fostering a competitive research and innovation environment. Collaboration between diverse microbiome sectors will catalyse economic activity and attract investment, positioning the UK as a leader in this rapidly developing field. It will cultivate a highly skilled talent pool with professionals adept in entrepreneurship, regulatory considerations and market dynamics as well as academic expertise, sustaining long-term industry growth and innovation. We will also build on our engagement with regulatory bodies such as MHRA, DEFRA and FSA to ensure that standards for microbiome research and products are robust and aligned with current scientific and regulatory frameworks. This proactive stance will aid innovation while also instilling confidence among stakeholders. Additionally, the network's interaction with policymakers will facilitate impactful changes at the governmental level, shaping policies that support the growth and sustainability of the microbiome sector. Such advocacy can lead to increased funding, better regulatory pathways and the establishment of initiatives that drive sectoral growth in industry and academia. We will also plan extensive public engagement to communicate widely to diverse audiences.