The 2nd International Conference on Microbiomes Biodiversity and Their Impact on Global and One Health brought together leading experts to discuss the transformative potential of microbiome science in tackling some of the world's most pressing environmental and health challenges.  

Hosted by USF Health’s Microbiomes Institute Institut Mérieux, and the Global Virus Network (GVN) the event took place in February at the University of South Florida.  

“This conference underscores the urgent need for an interdisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges in biodiversity, food, and nutrition said Dr. Christian Bréchot, director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. The USF Health Microbiomes Institute is dedicated to contributing to solutions for these critical global issues. Dr. Bréchot also serves as vice chair of the GVN board of directors and is its president emeritus.  

Building on the success of the first edition held in Annecy, France, in October 2023, this year’s conference welcomed participants from the U.S., France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, featuring experts across diverse disciplines, including soil, ocean, and medical microbiology, molecular biology sustainable agri-food practices and global health.  

We are proud to co-host this vital international conference said Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. This field thrives on cross-disciplinary collaboration, and international dialogue is key to accelerating the rapid advancements in microbiome research.

The conference served as a pivotal platform for experts from intergovernmental organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, as well as leaders from academia, industry, and the private sector, to discuss solutions for microbiome-related challenges in biodiversity, health, and sustainability.  

This event brought together leading experts from diverse sectors moceanography, agri-food, and biomedical research to foster collaborative, transdisciplinary projects leveraging microbiome science  said Dr. Marc Bonneville, vice president for medical and scientific affairs at Institut Mérieux. These efforts have the potential to drive sustainable practices in aquaculture, agriculture, and ecosystem health.

The conference highlighted the vital connection between microbiomes, ecosystems, and human health, stressing the need for integrated solutions to global challenges like soil degradation, food insecurity, viral pandemics, and the escalating climate crisis. A key focus was the potential of microbiome research to drive innovation in regenerative agriculture, sustainable aquaculture, and enhanced public health strategies. Experts in nutrition, microbial ecology, and health examined how a deeper understanding of microbiomes could shape eco-friendly agricultural practices and advance therapeutic approaches.

Source: https://www.usf.edu/health/news/2025/microbiome-conference.aspx