You are what you eat: that gut feeling
On Wednesday 20 May, more than 800 in-person and online guests attended the second Science at Melbourne Conversation for 2026, ‘You are what you eat: that gut feeling'. Panellists explored how emerging research into the gut microbiome is reshaping our understanding of human health and wellbeing.
Left to right: Professor Chibuike Udenigwe, Associate Professor Jessica Biesiekierski, Professor Alex Johnson, Professor Kim-Anh Le Cao, and Professor Jason Tye-Din.
Professor Chibuike Udenigwe from the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystems Science moderated an insightful discussion that featured:
- Associate Professor Jessica Biesiekierski, Head of Human Nutrition Group, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
- Professor Alex Johnson, professor in agricultural biotechnology, School of BioSciences
- Professor Kim-Anh Le Cao, professor in statistical genomics, School of Mathematics and Statistics
- Professor Jason Tye-Din, gastrologist and Director of Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI.
The discussion ranged from the complex relationship between diet, microbes and disease, to the role of big data and new technologies in uncovering how the microbiome influences immunity, digestion and overall health outcomes.
The experts also reflected on the growing potential for microbiome research to transform healthcare through more personalised approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while highlighting the importance of collaboration across science, medicine and industry to drive future discoveries.
Watch the full event recording below.