Microbes and Us

Prof. Chris Greening (Monash University, Australia) focuses his scientific exploration on microbes that can survive off trace gases in our atmosphere by harvesting the small amounts of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane from air. He will be a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming ⁠⁠FEMS MICRO Milan 2025: Congress & Exhibition⁠⁠⁠ in July. In this episode, we talk through his scientific journey overcoming difficult circumstances as a young scientist, some of his favourite research field trips, and the ideas behind his upcoming lecture. With some sage advice for young scientists and those working in microbiology, this episode is full of valuable insights and exciting research perspectives.

In this episode of Microbes And Us, we are joined by Dr Clare Tayor, Edinburgh Napier University (UK), as she has recently taken up the role of Editor-in-Chief of FEMS Microbiology Letters since January 2025.In this episode, we discuss the exciting future in the works for FEMS Microbiology Letters as a rigorous journal and professional development platform for microbiologists. We also learn more about her upcoming sessions on taking action for inclusive science at FEMS MICRO Milan 2025, and discuss our favourite scientists for International Women's Day. #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomenInScience

Prof. Eran Elinav's work focuses on deciphering the molecular basis of host-microbiome interactions and their effects on health and disease, with the aim of personalising medicine and nutrition. He will be a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming ⁠FEMS MICRO Milan 2025: Congress & Exhibition⁠⁠ in July. In this episode, we talk through his scientific journey, favourite research interests, upcoming lecture, and discuss the current frontier of knowledge on the human microbiome.

The Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) is proud to announce Professor Carmen Buchrieser as the recipient of the prestigious FEMS-Lwoff Award for Achievements in Microbiology 2025. In this episode, we talk through her career, winning the Lwoff award, her greatest challenges, and favourite research interests. Prof. Buchrieser will deliver the Lwoff Prize Lecture during the Opening Plenary of the FEMS MICRO Milan 2025: Congress & Exhibition taking place 14-17 July 2025. As an Editor-in-Chief of our journal microLife and a fellow of the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM), her leadership in the field is exemplary.

In this episode, host, Joseph Shuttleworth learns from Pathogens and Disease Article Award winners from 2023, Manon Degabriel & Thomas Henry. Against the backdrop of the Antimicrobial Resistance crisis, join us as we dive into the world of Guanylate-Binding Proteins (GBPs), interferon-inducible GTPases that play a key role in cell autonomous responses against intracellular pathogens, such as Francisella novicida and Shigella flexneri. Read the award winning paper: Comparative study of GBP recruitment on two cytosol-dwelling pathogens, Francisella novicida and Shigella flexneri highlights differences in GBP repertoire and in GBP1 motif requirements Discover all the ⁠⁠FEMS Journals Article Awards from 2023⁠⁠.

In this episode, host, Joseph Shuttleworth learns from the FEMS Yeast Research Article Award winners from 2023, Romeu Viana & Miguel Cacho Teixeira. Join us as we dive into the the first reconstructed Genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) for C. auris (an emerging human pathogen) which may help with drug target prediction. Read the award winning paper: Metabolic reconstruction of the human pathogen Candida auris: using a cross-species approach for drug target prediction Discover all the ⁠FEMS Journals Article Awards from 2023⁠. Find out more about becoming a FEMS Board Member.

In this episode, host, Joseph Shuttleworth, and FEMS Microbiology Letters Article Award winner from 2023, Barbara R Heard, dive into her winning paper: Supporting students with blindness and visual impairments in microbiology as they discuss the challenges, barriers, and solutions for students with visual impairments learning microbiology. Discover all the FEMS Journals Article Awards from 2023.

Host, Eleni Koursari, interviews Smriti Arora & Nitika Bhambri, from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), India, about their 2022 Article Award-winning paper from FEMS Microbiology Letters: “A designer diet layout for astronauts using a microbiome mediated approach”. In this podcast, we learn about how the microbiome of astronauts is affected during space missions. The authors also propose several methods for promoting resilient microbiota for space travel.

In this episode, Hilary Lappin-Scott discusses her time as FEMS President with host Joseph Shuttleworth as her 4-year term comes to an end. She runs through some of her favourite moments and most difficult challenges while leaving us with her final message to the microbiology community.

Join our host Corrado Nai, as he explores the fascinating world of artists who create marvellous and inspiring artworks using moulds as subjects or as materials. Textile artist, Lizan Freijsen, crafts 'fungal carpets', while the artist-scientist duo, Ofer Grunwald & Nir Osherov, have pioneered 'fungal pointillism' as their artform. Listen to their examples of fungal creativity to discover the challenges and opportunities in creating beauty with moulds in this episode. Tune in now!

With International Microorganism Day (17 September) just around the corner, hosts Eleni Koursari and Joseph Shuttleworth, bring in IMD volunteers, Filipa and Helene, as guests to talk about some of the great initiatives that are planned for this year, including events, blog, illustration galleries and more… Head over to the IMD website: https://www.internationalmicroorganismday.org/

FEMS2023 Plenary Speaker, Rita Colwell, joins us to discuss her research interests on waterborne diseases, with a focus on cholera and satellite-based data collection. This podcast also covers her experience in science education for young age groups. Register now for FEMS2023 - ⁠https://www.fems2023.org/registration

FEMS-Lwoff Awardee 2023, Kenneth Timmis, joins us to discuss his upcoming Prize Lecture at FEMS2023, The International Microbiology Literacy Initiative, and his recent paper on ''Weaponizing Microbes for Peace'' which outlines microbial solutions to sources of conflict. Register now for FEMS2023 - https://www.fems2023.org/⁠⁠More about the Lwoff Award - https://fems-microbiology.org/2023-fems-lwoff-award-for-achievements-in-microbiology/The International Microbiology Literacy Initiative - https://imili.org/

Podcast host Eleni Koursari, welcomes the hosts of the microbiology podcast The Microbe Moment! Jonathan Mitchell and Tess Deyett join our conversation about microbes in our food systems! We talk about how microbes are involved in healthy crops, home brewing, chocolate production, and mushrooms.  More about the Microbe Moment - https://www.microbigals.com/the-microbe-moment-science-podcast

Microbiologists are the key to addressing waterborne disease. With a Portable Microbiology Laboratory (PML), anyone can be a water microbiologist. Podcast host Joseph Shuttleworth is joined by the creator of the PML, Bob Metcalf, Professor Emeritus at California State University (Sacramento), and Dinah Chienjo, Director of the community project Fiends of The Old (FOTO), who leads the training and use of the PML in villages in Kenya. In this episode we discuss the history and development of the PML, and its impact on locally organized and community focused drinking water testing.  Find out more about the PML here: https://solarcooking.fandom.com/wiki/Portable_Microbiology_Laboratory Watch our YouTube videos on the PML here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmDJJJpFrgi7E3D9JuMtnCJIZBKoi82oa

Our episode host Eleni Koursari, welcomes Jennifer Matthews, Postdoctoral Research Fellow from the University Technology Sydney, Australia. They talk about coral reefs, how they have been affected by climate change and what can we do to conserve them for future generations. Read Jennifer's interview for the FEMS Microbes best presentation prize at JAMS11 - https://fems-microbiology.org/about_fems/network-and-activities/awards/poster-oral-presentation-prizes/fems-microbes-presentation-prize-jennifer-matthews/

Join our host Joseph Shuttleworth as we talk to the team that designed BacteriaGame. Created by our Member Society, the French Society of Microbiology, BacteriaGame is a card game developed to help university students learn about antibiotics and bacteria. We discuss the development process, the reaction and outcomes from students, and how you can get your hands on a copy of the game!  Find BacteriaGame here: https://www.sfm-microbiologie.org/boutique/bacteriagame/

In this episode, hosts Joseph Shuttleworth and Corrado Nai, welcome Gavin Douglas the winner of the #FEMSmicroBlog Writing Competition. They chat about the challenges and opportunities for writers to incorporate science in fictional stories. The winning short story “Mutiny” by Gavin Douglas, a tale about radical climate action from dedicated scientists, is narrated at the end of the episode. Find all the shortlisted stories from the #FEMSmicroBlog Writing Competition here: https://fems-microbiology.org/femsmicroblog-writing-competition-and-the-winners-are/

Looking forward to International Microorganism Day, episode hosts Eleni Koursari and Joseph Shuttleworth chat about six recent microbe-themed developments perhaps unknown to you. From the largest bacterium ever found, fungi and viruses that cure diseases, to shoe-making bacteria and bacteria that can power electronics, there is something in this episode for everyone! Find out more about the International Microorganism Day events at https://www.internationalmicroorganismday.org/

In this episode, host, Joseph Shuttleworth, is joined by Dr Aude Bernheim, researcher at INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), as they discuss the fascinating field of bacterial anti-viral mechanisms. From the rise of CRISPR for wide-scale genome editing, to the huge range of new anti-viral mechanisms discovered only very recently, this podcast takes you on a whirlwind tour through the evolutional battles going on between bacterial, phages, and genomic elements and the many unknowns that are still unanswered. 

In this episode, host Eleni Koursari, chats with Dr Elizabeth Bik, science consultant, advocator of science integrity and FEMS Special Merit Awardee. Our discussion takes multiple levels from the definition of science integrity, what happens today, and how to spot, report and avoid these "crimes".  Science Integrity Digest Blog: https://scienceintegritydigest.com/about/

Bringing you the story of a woman that revolutionized microbiology, but is ever hardly recognized. In this episode, hosts Eleni Koursari and Corrado Nai welcome Vanesa Ayala-Nuñez and chat about the discovery of culturing microorganisms using agar made by Angelina Fanny Hesse. We also discuss women in microbiology and what changed from the 19th century until today. Read the #FEMSmicroBlog: Got agar? Say thanks to Angelina Hesse! - https://fems-microbiology.org/femsmicroblog-got-agar-say-thanks-to-angelina-hesse/ This episode celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and International Womens Day #BreakTheBias

Sarah Wettstadt, Director of the MicroComms science communications business, joins host Joseph Shuttleworth to highlight some newly discovered bacteria from 2021 and what we can learn from them. They also discuss her experience transitioning from academia into science communication and give tips on starting your own freelancer projects or business. 

What does it take to do microbiology research in Antarctica? Christina Davis from the University of Florida talks to us about her own journey in studying microbes that live in subglacial lakes of Antarctica.  Episode host: Eleni Koursari

Celebrating World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2021 we bring to this episode Prof. Laura Piddock, Scientific Director at the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP). Together with episode host Eleni Koursari we discuss about antimicrobial resistance and dive deeper into the topic of antibiotic R&D and stewardship. GARDP website - https://gardp.org/

Looking forward to International Microorganism Day episode hosts Eleni Koursari and Joseph Shuttleworth chat about six interesting microorganisms and microscopic creatures perhaps unknown to you! From mangetic bacteria, to the worlds biggest fungi and spacefaring water bears! Find more information about International Microorganism Day at https://www.internationalmicroorganismday.org/ Direct link to Interantional Microorganism Day YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBLEoxM1V82rS2geNXA_fA

At the spotlight of this episode is Cláudia Godinho, FEMS Science Communication Awardee, currently a postdoc at the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. We talk about her involvement with International Microorganim Day (17the September), a day to celebrate the wondrous world of microbes! Find more about International Microorganism Day at www.internationalmicroorganismday.org

Our podcast host Eleni Koursari, welcomes into this episode, Dr Elisa Granato, molecular microbiology research fellow at the University of Oxford and first FEMS Early Career Microbiologist Awardee. Elisa shares with us details about her research on bacterial ecology and evolution, experience about progressing through academia and talks about her partners in crime! 

Dr Jennifer Gardy and our podcast host Eleni Koursari talk about the World Microbe Forum (20-24 June 2021)! With less than a month to go until the event we share with you details on sessions and how to make the most out of this online microbial meeting.  Find more about the World Microbe forum at www.worldmicrobeforum.org

Science is really international! Our episode host Corrado Nai and the FEMS Japanese ambassador Prof. Ken-ichi Yoshida discuss how science crosses international boarders, from Japan to the EU to America. 

Episode host Joseph Shuttleworth and Prof Linda J Kenney, FEMS Ambassador for the USA discuss research, career progression, networking and public perception of science.  If you are interested in attending our next global meeting, share your research and build an international network submit and abstract and register for the World Microbe Forum, a collaboration between FEMS, ASM and several other societies!

Sneak peak into our new podcast - Microbes and Us - brought to you by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS). Links:  Website - https://www.fems-microbiology.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FEMSmicro/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/femsmicro/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/FEMSmicro LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/federation-of-european-microbiological-societies