The institute
New England
Microbiome Institute
We bring together microbiology, laboratory science, and research expertise to make sense of the microbiome and its role in human health.
Understanding the microbiome requires more than one perspective.
Our purpose is to build a clearer understanding of microbiome science through the combined judgment of scientists from connected disciplines.
We examine published evidence alongside the biology of microorganisms, the quality of laboratory measurements, and the wider physiological context. Our team draws on experience in laboratory work, research, clinical practice, and the microbiology industry.
Scientific evidence synthesis
We connect findings across peer-reviewed studies and examine how the evidence supports a scientific conclusion.
Interdisciplinary interpretation
We bring microbiology, laboratory science, and related disciplines together to interpret complex biological questions.
Scientific education
We develop accessible explanations that preserve the mechanisms, sources, and uncertainty that matter.
The microbial world, and the biology around it.
Our scientific focus connects microbial ecology with metabolism, physiology, immunology, and the interpretation of biological evidence.
Microbial ecosystems and physiology
The organisms, interactions, and biological processes that shape microbial communities.
Diet, metabolism, and microbial activity
Scientific questions about nutrients, microbial metabolism, and compounds produced by microorganisms.
Microbes and human physiology
The evidence connecting microbial activity with intestinal function, immune signaling, and communication across biological systems.
Measurements and scientific evidence
How study design, laboratory methods, and quantitative analysis shape the meaning of a scientific finding.
Laboratory experience informs scientific judgment.
Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified scientists, bacteriologists, PhDs, and research assistants. Their experience brings practical depth to the way we examine microbiome science.
Microbiology and bacteriology
Microbial physiology, genetics, microbial interactions, and antimicrobial resistance.
Clinical laboratory science
Measurement principles, laboratory methods, quality assessment, and the interpretation of biological results.
Immunology and biochemistry
Biological mechanisms, molecular signals, metabolism, and relationships between microbes and host systems.
Research and biostatistics
Study design, quantitative findings, competing explanations, and the strength of scientific conclusions.
A consistent standard for scientific interpretation.
Our approach brings disciplinary expertise to the evaluation of evidence.
We examine what a finding can establish, how it fits within the wider biology, and which uncertainties materially change its meaning.
Define the question
Establish the biological question and the evidence needed to examine it.
Assess the evidence
Consider study design, measurements, limitations, and relevant conflicts of interest.
Connect disciplines
Interpret findings across microbiology, laboratory science, and human biology.
Keep conclusions traceable
Connect interpretations to their sources and revise them when stronger evidence emerges.
The Weekly Biome
Published by the N.E. Microbiome Institute
Our free weekly publication brings microbiome science to an interested public. Each Tuesday, we publish one article developed by our scientists and reviewed by another team member.
How the publication is producedConnect with the institute.
Questions about our scientific work, publications, or potential collaboration.