News in brief: Nestle is partnering with APC Microbiome Ireland to study human microbiomes, aiming to develop products for improving wellness by understanding the role of gut microbes. The institute is known for its expertise in gut microbiota research and contributions to health diagnostics and functional food development, while the food giant will fund the project.
Food and beverages giant Nestle has announced plans to team up with a science research institute to study human microbiomes. The partnership will throw more light on the workings of human gut microbes, with a view to developing products for improving wellness.
Microbiome is a collection of microbes like bacteria, fungi, viruses, that live on and in our bodies. They contribute significantly in optimising human health and wellness.
APC Microbiome Ireland, a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre situated in University College, Cork, (UCC), is the collaborating institute. The project will be directed by APC principal investigators, Professor Catherine Stanton and Professor Paul Ross.
Professor Stanton is the senior principal research officer in the Teagasc Food Biosciences department and research Professor in UCC. Meanwhile, Professor Ross is the director of APC and faculty in the School of Microbiology, UCC. They will form a team with two PhD students and Nestle will fund the project.
Professor Ross described the partnership as an exciting and ‘innovative’ research project. He expressed delight to be part of the venture with a leading global brand like Nestle.
APC Microbiome was formed in 2003 with funding from Science Foundation Ireland and in conjunction with industry partners. It has, as a research institute, proven to be outstanding leaders in gut microbiota research. It has been involved in developing new diagnostics of health or risk of disease to promote health and mining the microbiota for new drugs and functional food ingredients.
The institute’s objectives aligns with that of the food maker who is a leader in microbiological research. Nestle boasts about having the most advanced science and innovation network in the food industry with  4,100 employees working in R&D. The company pours nearly $2 billion into researching microbes every year.
“Whether the focus is on developing plant-based foods to support healthier lifestyles, tackling packaging waste or driving affordable nutrition, we’re continually developing our products and services, while innovating to create new ones,” it says.
