Plenary lecture

10am – 10.45am GMT, 17 December 2024 ‐ 45 mins

Plenary

Ecological beginnings: exploring the role of the early life microbiome

In this plenary lecture Professor Lindsay Hall will present key topics related to the intricate dynamics of microbial communities during the human early life developmental window, including the complex interplay between beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, and potentially detrimental species, including Clostridium. Lindsay will cover her team's work which explores the critical role of these microbial players in shaping health outcomes during pregnancy and infancy, and how external factors may impact initial microbiota colonisation, and how targeted strategies to restore ecosystem ‘balance’ can be used to improve maternal and child health.