Webinars for the public, book giveaways, and an in-person evening for charity are among some of the events planned to celebrate World Microbiome Day, which takes place this Friday, June 27.
Founded by APC Microbiome Ireland (APC) – A world leading Research Ireland Centre at University College Cork and Teagasc in 2018 to bring microbiome science out of the lab and into the lives of everyday people, the celebration enjoys worldwide participation each year. Events have been planned across Europe and beyond for this year’s theme “Microbiome 101: What You Need to Know.”
The 2025 programme features a mix of fun, informative, and interactive events designed to engage students, families, health professionals, and the simply curious. APC’s highlight events are:
Webinar: “Microbiome 101 – The Brain-Gut Axis” (Tuesday, June 24, 1:00–2:00 PM): Leading Brain Gut scientists Prof John Cryan, and Prof Felice Jacka will explore how gut microbes influence mental health, brain function, and food choices. The webinar, hosted by APC Director Prof Paul Ross offers an easy-to-understand introduction to one of the most exciting areas in health science today.
Book Giveaway: Listen to your Microbes: Fergus Shanahan, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at University College Cork and founder of APC Microbiome Ireland, worked with graphic artist Laura Gowers to create ‘Listen to your Microbes’, a book that lets microbes themselves tell their story. Grab a limited free copy at Boole Library or any branch of Cork City or County Library this World Microbiome Day Friday 27th June. Colouring sheets from the book will be also be available in libraries. Available in libraries while supplies last.
Gut Matters, a night of conversation exploring the gut microbiome: APC researchers from University College Cork Prof Siobhain O’Mahony, Prof Jens Walter and Dr Julie O’Sullivan make a panel for this exciting in-person event presented by Meagher’s Pharmacy in Dublin. Smock Alley Theatre Dublin. All proceeds go to Crohn’s Colitis Ireland. Register to attend
APC has also collaborated with a range of organisation such as Cork Cancer@UCC, Atlantic Clinical Trials, The NiMe Diet and Australian Youtube Chanel ‘How to Cook That’ on events and videos in the programme.
www.worldmicrobiomeday.com has the full schedule of global events.
Photo Caption: L-R Catríona Ní Dhrisceoil, Executive Librarian – Cork County Council Library & Arts Service, Alan Carbery, Acting University Librarian – University College Cork Library, Prof Fergus Shanahan, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at University College Cork and founder of Research Ireland Centre APC Microbiome Ireland, Prof Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland and Co-Director of UCC Futures Food Microbiome and Health, Nora Harrington, Executive Librarian – Cork City Council Libraries. Photo Credit: Ger Mc Carthy Photography