About

Microbiology Theme at SILS

The Microbiology Theme at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, is a dynamic and interdisciplinary collective focused on understanding and applying microbial biology to address critical societal challenges defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Purpose & Vision

The Theme's purpose is to advance fundamental knowledge of microbial systems and apply it to sustainable, societally relevant solutions. Our vision recognizes microbial life in ecosystems as essential to human health, environmental ecosystems, and industry.

We aim to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ensure food safety, foster a circular bioeconomy, and promote healthy human development through our research pillars in Human health related microbiome, Infection biology, and Biotechnology.

Strategic Aims

●Lead internationally recognized research that defines the frontiers of microbiology.
●Catalyze interdisciplinary innovation at the interface of microbiomes, infection biology, and biotechnology.
●Translate microbial insights into societal impact, addressing AMR, food safety, and sustainable bioeconomy.
●Train the next generation of microbiologists through inclusive, high-quality education and mentorship.
●Ensure organizational resilience and sustainable growth for long-term scientific relevance.

Research Strategy

Our research strategy is built on three thematic pillars that foster cross-group collaboration. Below you can see which research groups contribute to each strategic pillar.

RS1

Human Health Related Microbiome

Unravel microbial communities across hosts, ecosystems, and industrial systems. Develop predictive computational and AI-driven models to capture dynamic microbiome behavior.

Contributing Groups

Gumi Lab EvoSysBio Lab Spore Lab Spatial SysBio Lab Microbiome Engineering Lab Imaging & Functional Analysis Mass Spectrometry (MSB)Peribiomics Lab

RS2

Infection Biology

Investigate antimicrobial resistance development, characterize novel antimicrobials, elucidate pathogen-host interactions with focus on RNA-mediated mechanisms.

Contributing Groups

Spore Lab Spatial SysBio Lab Molecular Microbial Physiology DNA & RNA Interaction Lab Bacterial Cell Biology NVWA Chair

RS3

Biotechnology

Develop phototrophic bioproduction systems and next-generation microbial biotechnology platforms with focus on enzyme production and sustainable bioeconomy.

Contributing Groups

Gumi Lab Spore Lab Molecular Microbial Physiology Bacterial Cell Biology Microbiome Engineering Lab Mass Spectrometry (MSB)Peribiomics Lab

Cross-pillar Microbiome-Infection-Biotechnology Hub

A platform that unites expertise, technology, and insight from all three domains for transformative interdisciplinary projects that none of the individual pillars could achieve alone.

Education & Training

Program Contributions

We contribute to Bachelor and Master programs in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Psychobiology, Science Technology & Innovation (ST&I), and Bioinformatics & Systems Biology, embedding state-of-the-art research in the curriculum.

MSc Microbiome Track

A new MSc Microbiome Track under the Holomicrobiome initiative covers microbiome ecology, synthetic communities, and host-microbe interactions with a strong focus on research-driven learning for Dutch and international students.

Strategic Connections

The Theme drives partnerships connecting academia, healthcare, industry, and policy.

AMEC

Amsterdam Microbiome Expertise Center

DSM-Firmenich

Industrial biotechnology partnership

NVWA

Food safety & regulatory policy

Holomicrobiome

NGF national microbiome program

Micropia & NEMO

Public engagement & outreach