- Microbiome Research Centre

Australia's Dedicated Microbiome Research Centre

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About the Microbiome Research Centre

Established as a pioneering force in microbiome research, the Microbiome Research Centre (MRC) has been at the forefront of scientific discovery since its inception. Our facility, based in Australia, is dedicated to unraveling the complex interactions within microbial communities and their influence on human health. With a rich history of innovation and collaboration, we strive to make microbiome science accessible to all, fostering a deeper understanding of its potential to transform medicine and wellness.

Our centre is renowned for its cutting-edge research and commitment to excellence. We have assembled a team of leading scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, inventors and entrepreneurs who are passionate about advancing the field of microbiome science. Through our work, we aim to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and practical applications, ensuring that our findings are both impactful and understandable.

What is the Microbiome?

Humans are host to an enormous invisible ecosystem of microbes that influence almost every system in the body. The most common microbes that live in or on our bodies are bacteria, archaea, viruses, protozoa and fungi. This intriguing community of microbes are collectively known as our microbiota.

Our microbiota contributes to over fifty percent of our cellular makeup and can influence a wide range of physiological functions including our mood, appetite and immune responses. The collective genetic material of the microbiota, our microbiome, is remarkably dynamic. Our body harbours several niche composites of microbiome ecosystems within the gut, skin, reproductive tract, liver, eyes, mouth, nose and even within our belly button!

We know very little about how our microbiome swings the pendulum between health and disease. What we do know is that there is an inextricable link between the diversity and balance of our microbiome and our susceptibility to disease.

The abundance of our thriving beneficial microbes keeps the pathogenic microbes in check and maintains a harmonious balance. However, when pathogenic microbes dominate, this balance is disturbed and we enter a state of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is associated with several diseases including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and asthma. Our lifestyle choices, our diet, our use of antibiotics and medications and the environment we live in can influence the composition of the microbiome.

Our research is realising the captivating potential of the human microbiome as a novel target for human health. By understanding how over 1 million genes contributed by the human microbiome, together with our 25,000 inherited genes nurture our state of health, we can better improve

Advancing Microbiome Science for a Healthier Future

Our Mission

At the Microbiome Research Centre, our mission is to lead the charge in microbiome research, pushing the boundaries of what is known and what is possible. We are committed to exploring the intricate relationships between microbes and their hosts, with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes worldwide.

We believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of sharing it. Our mission extends beyond research; it encompasses education, collaboration, and innovation. By making microbiome science accessible and engaging, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Pioneering Microbiome Research

Our Vision for the Future

At Australia’s First Microbiome Research Centre, our vision is to lead the way in microbiome science, making groundbreaking discoveries that transform health and well-being. We are dedicated to advancing research that is not only innovative but also accessible to all, ensuring that the benefits of our work reach communities worldwide.

We aim to demystify the complexities of microbiome science, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its potential. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and public knowledge, we strive to empower individuals with the insights needed to make informed health decisions.

Studies seeking volunteers

AIM

Nov 20, 2024 |

Researchers within the Sydney+ IBD Research Consortia and the Microbiome Research Centre, UNSW Sydney are inviting people with IBD, their family members and the general population to learn about the changes in the human microbiome.The microbiome is the population of...

HOAM

Nov 13, 2024 |

What does the ultimate healthy microbiome look like? Researchers at UNSW Microbiome Research Centre are trying to find out.Living within each one of us are many communities of microorganisms (or microbes). While some microbes can coexist within our bodies without...