Frontiers Forum Virtual Series

Visualizing the microbiome: data-driven discoveries

Prof Rob Knight
University of California, San Diego, USA

20 November 2024

Decoding the microbiome

Prof Rob Knight, pioneer in microbiome research, discussed insights into this fast-moving field—from mapping and analyzing diverse microbiomes to clinical applications.

At this Frontiers Forum fireside chat with Vivienne Parry OBE, Rob explored key findings from two groundbreaking initiatives, the American Gut Project and Earth Microbiome Project, including links between gut microbiota and obesity and how innovative data visualization techniques are driving new avenues for research.

He also discussed how AI is poised to revolutionize microbiome applications, as well as the challenges of bringing these scientific advancements into clinical practice.

A visionary in his field, Prof Rob Knight has linked microbes to a range of health conditions including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, and has enhanced our understanding of microbes in environments ranging from the oceans to the tundra. His lab, The Knight lab, has made high-throughput sequencing techniques accessible to thousands of researchers around the world. Rob's contributions to science have been recognized with the 2019 NIH Director’s Pioneer Award for his microbiome research and the 2017 Massry Prize, often considered a predictor of a Nobel Prize.

One of the most cited researchers in the world, Prof Knight's work extends to mapping the microbiomes of diverse organisms and even contributing to COVID-19 efforts through innovative wastewater analysis.

Photo: ©credit Kyle Dykes UCSD

Session program

Rob Knight in conversation with Vivienne Parry

17:00-18:15 CET

Speakers

  • Rob Knight

    Prof Rob Knight

    University of California San Diego, USA

  • Vivienne Parry

    Vivienne Parry, OBE

    Science writer and broadcaster, UK

Speaker and contributor bios

  • Vivienne Parry OBE

    Acclaimed science writer and broadcaster, UK  

    A scientist by training, Vivienne is passionate about people and communicating science – as recognized by the award of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Years Honours List 2011 for ‘services to the public understanding of science’. She also holds the unusual distinction of having won both freelance medical journalist and broadcast medical journalist of the year awards.  

    Vivienne currently hosts medical programs for BBC Radio 4, writes widely on health, presents films, facilitates high-level conferences, and trains young researchers. She previously presented the BBC’s iconic science series Tomorrow’s World and was columnist of the Times, Guardian, and the News of the World. Her book ‘The Truth about Hormones’ was shortlisted for the 2006 Aventis Science Prize.  

    Vivienne additionally serves as Head of Engagement at Genomics England, which delivered the 100,000 Genomes Project. She recently completed her term as a member of the board of UK Research and Innovation, which is responsible for the strategic spend of the UK’s £7 billion annual research budget. She was also a member of the UK Medical Research Council for many years and served as Vice Chair of Council at University College London until 2015. Vivienne holds a BSc in Immunology and Genetics from University College London.