Skin Microbiome Uncovered: From Research to Real-World Applications

The skin microbiome has emerged as a key area of scientific interest, bridging dermatology, immunology, and microbiology. As our understanding of the skin’s microbial ecosystems grows, so does its potential to transform approaches to skincare, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.

This MVA Microbiome Network meeting will shine a spotlight on the latest developments in skin microbiome research and its industrial applications. Join us at Medicon Valley Alliance in Copenhagen, where leading researchers and industry representatives will present cutting-edge insights and practical applications in this evolving field.

Take this opportunity to connect with peers and deepen your understanding of the skin microbiome’s role in science and industry.

The event will be moderated by Malin Sjöö, CIO at Smile Venture Hub.

Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
Time: 14:00 – 19:00
Venue: Medicon Valley Alliance, HUB 2, Arne Jacobsens Allé 15, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark – Auditorium

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Program

Speakers

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	Anna Ingham is a microbiome data analyst at the Department of Sequencing and Bioinformatics at Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen with over 10 years of experience in microbiome research. Following her PhD on microbiome dynamics during stem cell transplantation, she has conducted and supervised multiple research projects investigating the role of the skin, nasal, and gut microbiomes in diverse disease contexts, including atopic dermatitis, hand eczema, and blood cancers.
	Georgios Stamatas is the Global Scientific Director for Cosmetics & Personal Care at SGS, bringing over 25 years of expertise in fundamental and translational skin care research. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and authored over 115 peer-reviewed publications and 20 patents. Among other innovations in skin care research, he is recognized for pioneering contributions to the skin microbiome field, including groundbreaking studies on the infant skin microbiome, innovative microbiome-skin co-culture models, advanced computational models of microbiome-skin interactions, and integrative cross-omics analyses that reveal the microbiome’s critical role in skin health.
	Nicola Kingswell is the scientific director and co-owner of Labskin Limited, where she manages the strategic direction of the company, as well as day to day operations. Nicola is responsible for leading R&D activities to drive innovation in the company, in line with client requirements. Nicola is an experienced protein biochemist and cell biologist. She has held positions at some of the world’s largest companies (Intertek, Labcorp, Eurofins) and some of the world’s smallest companies (start ups and spin outs).
	Derek Butler is Commercial Director with over 20 years of experience in microbial genomics, next-generation sequencing, and the application of microbiome science in healthcare and personal care. He holds a PhD in Microbiology and an Executive MBA and has worked across both scientific and commercial roles—including leadership positions at BaseClear and co-founding the consumer microbiome company MyMicroZoo. At Sequential, he works at the intersection of advanced sequencing, bioinformatics, and sampling technologies to translate microbiome data into actionable insights.
	Johanna Gillbro (PhD) is a scientist, entrepreneur and author and has more than 20 years of experience in experimental dermatology, clinical research, microbiome research as well as skincare product development. Upon publication in April, 2019, her book The Scandinavian Skincare Bible (Hudbibeln- SE) went straight to the bestseller lists at all major retailers in Sweden. Moreover, she is the founder of www.skinome.com, a skincare company dedicated to enhancing skin health through the modulation of the skin microbiome.
	Clara Desvignes is Regulatory Science Director at VCLS, where she supports developers in designing and implementing global regulatory strategies for innovative health products. She leads VCLS’s expertise in microbiome products (including LBPs, FMTs, foods, and cosmetics) and advances regulatory science through agency dialogue, alternative pathways, and industry initiatives. Her expertise spans strategic positioning of complex products, regulatory consultations, and submissions for EU and US marketing authorizations, with a strong ability to navigate diverse regulatory frameworks and guide products across domains.
	Mariena van der Plas is an Associate Professor of Experimental Immunology, Microbiology, and Infection, with over 20 years of experience studying and targeting wound and skin infections. At the LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, she leads a research group focused on pathogen-host interactions and the development of alternatives to antibiotics and immunomodulators for the treatment of infection and inflammation.
	Moderator: Malin Sjöö is Chief Innovation Officer at Smile. She is a business development professional with more than 20 years of experience in life sciences, including foodtech and personal care. She has a broad experience from different roles in life science start-ups from her previous work as business coach, CEO, COO, and board member, combined with a strong academic background as former associate professor.

Deadline for registration is 1st September 

The Network

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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