This cutting-edge event will explore the rapidly evolving field at the intersection of the human microbiome and brain health, showcasing transformative advancements in microbiome-based therapeutics aimed at harnessing the power of the gut-brain axis.
Attendees will gain in-depth insights into the critical role the gut microbiome plays in regulating host physiology and metabolism through bioactive metabolites, as well as the emerging potential of intestinal parasites to protect against chronic neuro-inflammation. Leading experts will also present the latest developments in personalized nutrition, revealing how precisely tailored dietary interventions can reshape gut microbiota to promote lasting mental and neurological well-being.
Join us for an exclusive, comprehensive journey into how the microbiome influences mental health and cognitive function, and discover the innovative approaches poised to revolutionize future treatments and preventative strategies.
Date: 28th January 2025
Time: 14:00 – 18:00
Venue: Medeon Science Park, Per Albin Hanssons väg 41, Malmö
Program:
| 14.00 | Registration and networking |
| 14:30 | Welcome Anette Steenberg, CEO, Medicon Valley Alliance |
| 14:35 | The gut microbiome as a source of bioactive metabolites regulating host physiology and metabolism Fredrik Bäckhed, Professor, University of Gothenburg |
| 14:55 | Do intestinal parasites have a role in protecting against chronic neuro-inflammation? Andrew Williams, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen |
| 15:15 | Advanced Microbiome Therapeutics to modulate the gut-brain axis Frederik B. F. Neergaard, PhD in Synthetic Biology |
| 15:35 | Coffee Break |
| 16:05 | Title TBA Peter Holm, Country Manager – Sweden, Høiberg Patent Attorneys |
| 16:15 | NeuroFood – Re-designing your gut microbiota landscape with tailored foods for sustained brain health Frida Fåk Hållenius, Associate Professor, Lund University |
| 16:35 | Microbiome and mental health Speaker TBA, Novonesis |
| 16:55 | Panel discussion Moderated by Malin Sjöö |
| 17:30 | Networking and light snack |
| 18:00 | End of meeting |
Speakers
 |
Professor Fredrik Bäckhed is a leading expert in gut microbiota and metabolic diseases, combining clinical research with advanced models to uncover the microbiome’s role in health. With a PhD from Karolinska Institutet and postdoctoral work at Washington University, he has received prestigious awards, including the Minkowski Prize. A member of the Royal Academies of Sciences and Engineering Sciences, he directs the Wallenberg Laboratory at the University of Gothenburg and the Microbiome Health Initiative at the Danish Technical University. |
 |
Andrew Williams is Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and head of the research group ‘Parasites, Immunology and Gut Health’. He obtained his PhD at the University of Western Australia in 2010, followed by postdoctoral positions at Oxford University and the University of Copenhagen. He was appointed to his current position in 2018. His group works on gut pathogens and how they interact with the host diet, microbiome, and immune system. |
 |
Frederik B. F. Neergaard holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Southern Denmark and recently obtained his Ph.D. in synthetic biology and microbiome research from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability at the Technical University of Denmark. His research centers on the genetic engineering of probiotic microorganisms for the targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules in the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular focus on modulating the gut-brain axis. |
 |
Frida Fåk Hållenius is Associate Professor in Molecular Nutrition at the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering, Division of Food and Pharma, at Lund University. She have expertise in host-microbiota interactions of importance for gut, brain and metabolic health. Her work primarily focuses on understanding the role of microorganisms in inflammatory processes and their impact on lifestyle- and diet-related diseases, with a special emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. |
Deadline for registration is 17 January 2025
The MVA Microbiome Network is a professional network for Medicon Valley Alliance members from industry, academia and health care sector with interest in the Microbiome field, including drug discovery, nutrition and probiotic development. Joining the network is free of charge but is limited to Medicon Valley Alliance members. However, non-member organizations and companies are welcome to attend one network event to evaluate if joining the network is relevant. If so, becoming a member of Medicon Valley Alliance will automatically allow you to join the microbiome network.
For more information please contact Katrine Brems Olsen kbo@mva.org
| Organized by | In collaboration with |
 |
 |
| Sponsored by | |
 |