Microbes and Us

Meet our three new volunteer co-hosts: Maxime, Claire and Wale. All three are postdoctoral researchers working at the cutting edge of microbiology across Europe, and they share a passion for science communication. In conversation with host Joseph Shuttleworth, they walk us through their current research, reveal their favourite microbes, and celebrate the microbiology heroes who shaped them.You’ll also hear about upcoming interviews with the keynote speakers of FEMS Micro Ljubljana 2027.

In this episode, we speak with Emma Sheriff from the University of Helsinki, winner of a FEMS Microbes Article Award, about her groundbreaking research into the complex interplay between bacteriophages and Enterococcus faecalis. Her work sheds new light on phage infection dynamics using proteomics, revealing uncharacterized phage proteins and significant shifts in bacterial protein expression. Most notably, Emma explores how the bacterial protease GelE may protect against phage infection—and how this mechanism could be targeted to improve phage therapy. Tune in to discover how these insights could shape future antimicrobial strategies.Read the award winning paper: ⁠Enterococcal quorum-controlled protease alters phage infectionDiscover all the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FEMS Journals Article Awards from 202⁠4⁠⁠.

Learn from Prof. Max Häggblom, as he recounts his personal journey from publishing in a FEMS journal to becoming Editor-in-Chief of FEMS Microbiology Ecology. In this conversation, recorded during FEMS MICRO Milan 2025 with Sam Burrell, our Interim Executive Publisher, we hear about the opportunities, community, and personal development created through joining a Scholarly Society such as FEMS. Häggblom reflects on his long relationship with FEMS, beginning with a student publication in 1987 and evolving through roles as reviewer, editor, and eventually Editor-in-Chief. He emphasizes the importance of scientific societies as communities that provide connection, funding, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. The discussion explores the role of journals in disseminating science, fostering dialogue, and spotlighting emerging themes such as climate change. Häggblom describes launching popular webinars during the COVID-19 lockdown to maintain scientific exchange and elevate early-career researchers. We hear about microbes’ central role in global biogeochemical cycles and their potential in climate solutions, expressing optimism driven by new generations of microbiologists and growing public awareness of microbial importance.

What makes some wine yeast strains produce off-putting sulphur smells during fermentation? In this episode, we get the opportunity to learn directly from FEMS Yeast Research Article Award winners, Irene De Guidi & Jean-Luc Legras (both at INRAE, Montpellier, France)Their winning paper reveals surprising genetic insights into hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production during alchohol fermentation in S. cerevisiae. Using QTL mapping, the team uncovered novel genes linked to redox balance and zinc homeostasis—processes not previously tied to sulfur metabolism. Their findings open new doors for controlling wine aroma and improving fermentation outcomes. Whether you're into microbiology, genetics, or winemaking, this conversation uncorks something fresh.Read the award winning paper: QTL mapping reveals novel genes and mechanisms underlying variations in H2S production during alcoholic fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiaeDiscover all the ⁠⁠⁠⁠FEMS Journals Article Awards from 202⁠4⁠.

In this episode, recorded during FEMS MICRO Milan 2025, we hear from Rachel Armstrong, Professor of Regenerative Architecture at KU Leuven (Belgium). We learn about the deep relationship between microbes and the built environment and discuss Rachel's Design Studio workshop at ⁠FEMS MICRO⁠.While FEMS was in Milan, Prof. Armstrong was involved with a microbe focused exhibition at the world famous Triennale di Milano museum of art and design. They created an innovative structure born from a collaboration between KU Leuven’s research group ⁠RAAD⁠ (Regenerative Architecture, Arts & Design) and Belgian product development studio ⁠PrintPlace⁠ which formed part of the 24th ⁠Triennale Milano⁠ International Exhibition.Titled Inequalities this exhibition gathers visionary global projects addressing urgent social, environmental, and urban disparities - We the Bacteria. Notes Toward Biotic Architecture, curated by Beatriz Colomina and Mark Wigley, includes SPIKA as a central installation exploring how architecture can engage with life on a microbial level. Throughout this episode of Microbes & Us, we learn how art, science, and surfaces create the prefect trifecta for exploring a sustainable future for life and architecture.

In this episode, we get the opportunity to learn directly from FEMS Microbiology Letters Article Award winners, Geoff P Horsman, Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada) & Adrian Van Dyk, University of Waterloo (Canada).They walk us through the novel discovery of an enzyme that breaks down ''Round-up'' weedkiller (active ingredient: glyphosate) in the soil. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide on Earth, and yet this paper demonstrates the first time a glycine oxidase isolated from a natural source exhibits a glyphosate preference, a 'glyphosate oxidase'. In this episode of Microbes and Us, discover the people, experiments, and knowledge behind this truly first-of-a-kind discovery winning the award for best paper in the journal from 2024.Read the award winning paper: Discovery of a glyphosate oxidase in natureDiscover all the ⁠⁠⁠FEMS Journals Article Awards from 202⁠4.

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.