Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by professor Alexandre Soares Rosado, a microbial ecologist whose research spans extreme environments, astrobiology, biotechnology, and microbiome science. As Professor of Bioscience at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, he investigates how microbial communities adapt and thrive across deserts, mangroves, marine systems, and even planetary analog environments.

Together with our hosts Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic and Christina Pavloudi, Professor Rosado reflects on his journey into microbiology, the hidden complexity of so-called “extreme” ecosystems, and the role of collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. The conversation also explores desert microbiomes, planetary simulation chambers, the future of microbiome research, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the way scientists study life on Earth — and beyond.

A fascinating and forward-looking discussion on microbes, resilience, exploration, and the future of life in a changing world.

Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by three inspiring voices from the ISALA citizen science initiative: Sarah Ahannach, Sandra Condori, and Josiane Kenfack. ISALA is a pioneering citizen-science initiative from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, dedicated to advancing our understanding of the female microbiome.
Together with our host Anna Cuscó, the guests explore the origins and evolution of ISALA, the growth of its international “sisterhood” projects, and the challenges and opportunities of adapting citizen science across different cultural contexts.
A rich and inspiring discussion on collaboration, inclusion, and the future of women’s health research through citizen science.
Want to know more about ISALA? Visit: https://isala.be
Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/

Welcome to another episode of MVIF Conversations – the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. A. Murat Eren - known to many as Meren - a computer scientist turned microbial ecologist whose work has fundamentally reshaped how researchers analyze and visualize complex microbiome data. Now based at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity in Germany, Meren is a leading advocate for open, reproducible, and community-driven science.
Together with our hosts Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic and Christina Pavloudi, he reflects on his unconventional path to microbes, the birth and evolution of the open-source platform anvi’o, and the realities of sustaining community software in modern microbiome research. The conversation also explores mentoring and transparency in academia.
A thoughtful and forward-looking discussion on open science, collaboration, and the future of microbiome research.
Want to know more about MVIF? Visit: https://www.microbiome-vif.org/