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 Malin Bornschein, CEO, Medeon |
| 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 | Engineering microbes to modulate the gut-brain axis Domitilla Vanni, Postdoc, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DTU |
| 15:35 | Harnessing Metabolomics to Unravel Gut-Brain Health Connections Lea Johnsen, SVP and Chief Scientist, CMbio |
| 15:55 | Coffee Break |
| 16:20 | Do you have Freedom To Operate? Peter Holm, PhD, Partner, Country Manager – Sweden, HØIBERG European Patent Attorneys |
| 16:30 | NeuroFood – Re-designing your gut microbiota landscape with tailored foods for sustained brain health Frida Fåk Hållenius, Associate Professor, Lund University |
| 16:50 | Harnessing the power of psychobiotics to address the multifacted and interconnected dimensions of mental wellness Claire Watkins, Global Category Science & Technology Lead for Mental Health, Novonesis |
| 17:10 | Panel discussion Moderated by Malin Sjöö |
| 17:40 | Networking and light snack |
| 18:00 | End of meeting |
Speakers
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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. |
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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. |
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Domitilla Vanni is post-doctoral researcher at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain). With a background in chemistry, metabolomics and peptide drug delivery, her work now focuses on developing microbial-based therapeutics with immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects, particularly in the context of Parkinson’s disease. |
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Lea Johnsen co-founded MS-Omics (now known as Cmbio) with Morten Danielsen in 2014, playing a key role in establishing the company. Initially responsible for lab work and data processing, her focus shifted entirely to data processing as the company grew. In the autumn of 2022, MS-Omics merged with Clinical Microbiomics, and Lea now leads the metabolomics group in the joint company. Her expertise lies in leveraging metabolomics to drive innovation in microbiome research and multiomics data integration. |
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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. |
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Claire Watkins is the Global Category Science & Technology Lead for Mental Health at Novonesis. Her 10+ years of experience working in the area of human biosolutions began with a PhD in Microbiology at University College Cork in 2013, followed by post-doctoral research with APC Microbiome Ireland on diet & microbes at the extremes of life, before joining PrecisionBiotics Group Ltd. in 2019. Since then, Claire has transitioned from science and product innovation lead at Novozymes, delivering precision dietary supplements, to now leading the science strategy for mental health as part of the newly formed, Novonesis Human Health Biosolutions. |
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
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