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How to set up and manage a microbiome research facility
Jannie G E Henderickx1, Wiep Klaas Smits1, Georg F Zeller1
1Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics (CMAT), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Establishing dedicated microbiome research facilities is crucial for high-quality clinical studies. These centers centralize expertise, support innovation, and foster collaborations for microbiome analysis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome Research
- Clinical Studies
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Growing interest in microbiome research necessitates specialized support.
- Microbiome analysis complexity requires domain expertise to avoid pitfalls.
- Academic institutions need dedicated facilities for human microbiome research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an experience-based approach to establishing microbiome research facilities.
- To outline essential aspects of a dedicated microbiome research facility.
Main Methods:
- Review based on experiences establishing and running a facility at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) since 2017.
- Analysis of advantages, structure, financial, and legal frameworks.
- Discussion of key portfolio items for an expertise center.
Main Results:
- Dedicated facilities support microbiome research in clinical studies.
- Centralized activities, innovation, and validation of analytical methods are key benefits.
- Facilities foster industrial collaborations and support funding applications.
Conclusions:
- Dedicated microbiome research facilities are essential for high-quality research and education.
- Centralized expertise facilitates design, execution, and interpretation of microbiome analyses.
- These facilities are vital for advancing the field of gut microbiome research.
