Project Details
Projekt
Coordination Funds
Applicant
Professorin Dr. Lisa Maier
Subject Area
Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564414385
The DFG Priority Program SPP 2474 is dedicated to uncovering gene functions in prevalent and abundant commensal members of the human gut microbiome. The goal is to discover new biological pathways, protein complexes, metabolites, and molecular mechanisms in these understudied microbes, which play a crucial role in human health. This task is being tackled using new systems-level technologies that overcome the major challenges of studying the large variety of non-model bacteria in the gut microbiome. A key challenge in this program is to bring together experts in molecular biology, technology development, and microbiology in an interdisciplinary consortium. To achieve this, a well-organized and strategic coordination framework is essential. This framework will ensure that the program's success goes beyond the results of individual projects, fostering strong collaboration and maximizing collective impact. To support this mission, we propose a range of tailored measures. These include appointing a coordinator assistant and providing further scientific administration support to the spokesperson, as well as network funds for SPP-specific biomaterials and data management. To help young scientists develop their skills and career, this SPP is dedicated to offer an ideal environment for them, including wet- and dry-lab workshops on relevant topics, training grants to access the EMBL Microbial Automation and Culturomics Core Facility, and start-up funding to help early-career researchers reach early independence. Additionally, we will implement strategies to ensure an inclusive, gender-balanced, and family-friendly research environment, going beyond the standard support provided by participating universities and institutes. For effective internal and external communication—critical for successful collaboration and dissemination of our work —we request funding for annual meetings, an international conference, a website, and social media outreach. We also plan public outreach activities to engage a broader audience, as microbiome research is a topic of widespread interest. In conclusion, we are convinced that the proposed measures will provide the framework needed for the success of this SPP. If successful, this initiative will establish new international standards in functional microbiome science and produce valuable knowledge, technologies, and resources that will benefit the field for decades.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
