Welcome to the USF Microbiomes Institute
The USF Microbiomes Institute is an initiative to merge and integrate interdisciplinary researchers and departments from the University of South Florida (USF), USF Health, Tampa General Hospital (TGH), and Moffitt Cancer Center, with a special working focus on microbiomes studies in soil, water, plant, animals, food and human health.
The Institute intends to join different departments and colleges, from engineering to business, and create opportunities for transdisciplinary projects with new approaches for microbiomes studies. We are composed of several working groups such as Education and Training, Data Analysis, Infrastructures, Core Facilities, and Scientific programs, we integrate academics with industry, promoting partnerships with colleges and departments to share experiences and enhance the research and knowledge in the microbiome field.
“Investigating microbiomes truly offers a revolutionary approach to human and animal medicine. In addition, understanding the impact of environmental changes on soil and oceans microbiomes is key to food safety, security and sovereignty. The USF Microbiomes Institute aims to provide solutions and is based on a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to these challenges, combining education to basic and applied research, as well as on site activities with urban farms.”Christian Brechot, Founder and co-director of the USF Microbiomes Institute
USF Center for Microbiome Research
"Microbiome research is revolutionizing our understanding of health, revealing its profound influence from early development to aging. At USF Microbiomes Institute, our multidisciplinary team is at the forefront of this discovery—decoding how the microbiome shapes longevity, brain function, metabolic health, cancer, infectious diseases and disease resistance. We are pioneering solutions to harness microbiome science for a healthier future."
Hariom Yadav, PhD, Co-Director, USF Microbiomes Institute and Director of USF Center for Microbiome Research
Advancing Microbiome Science Through Collaboration and Innovation
The USF Microbiomes Institute brings together interdisciplinary expertise, advanced data infrastructure, and innovative research programs to understand how microbiomes influence environmental systems, food security, aging, and human health. Through integrated flagship programs, training initiatives, and core research support, the Institute accelerates discovery while fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Our work is centered on six interconnected focus areas that collectively support data‑driven microbiome research, education, and translation. Together, these programs form a dynamic ecosystem that connects research, education, and impact—advancing microbiome science to address complex challenges and improve lives.
Areas of Focus
Data Analytics and Core Facilities
The Institute provides centralized data analytics and research infrastructure to support microbiome science across disciplines. These core resources enable high‑quality, reproducible research and foster collaboration across projects. Key components include:- Strategic planning and implementation of research initiatives
- A centralized biorepository for biological samples
- Advanced bioinformatics support
- A secure and scalable data hub for data integration, analysis, and sharing
Training and Education
Education and workforce development are central to the Institute’s mission. We offer diverse learning opportunities designed to support students, researchers, and professionals at all career stages.Programs include:
- Online courses in microbiome science and analytics
- Educational webinars featuring internal and external experts
- Seminars that promote interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange
Flagship Program: Metropolitan Food Project
The Metropolitan Food Project examines the interconnected roles of microbiomes in urban food systems, with a focus on sustainability and public health. Research areas include:
- Biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Soil microbiomes and agricultural resilience
- Links between nutrition and human health
This program integrates environmental, agricultural, and biomedical research to inform healthier and more sustainable communities.
Flagship Program: Microbiomes and Oncogenesis
This flagship initiative investigates the role of microbiomes in cancer development and progression. Research focuses on understanding how microbial communities influence oncogenic processes and therapeutic outcomes, creating opportunities for innovation in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Flagship Program: Microbiomes in Extremes of Aging
This program explores how microbiomes impact health across the extremes of aging, examining complex interactions between microbial communities and biological systems over the lifespan.Key focus areas include:
- Aging biology
- Neuroscience
- Cancer
The program highlights the role of microbiomes in aging‑related conditions and aims to improve health outcomes in older populations.
Microbiome Research Awards
The Institute supports innovation and collaboration through competitive funding opportunities designed to seed new ideas and accelerate discovery.Award mechanisms include:
- Collaborative Awards
- Pilot Awards
- Ignite Awards
Town Hall Meeting
2026 Town Hall - Registration required Thursday, April 16, 2026, 9:30 - 4:00 2026 USF Microbiomes Institute Town Hall
Town Hall Meeting
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 USF Microbiomes Research Awardees
The USF Microbiomes Institute announces the 2025–2026 Microbiome Research Awards, supporting innovative projects in microbiome-preserving therapeutics, cancer biomarkers, chronic inflammatory disease, and high-resolution spatial mapping. Congratulations to our awardees!
Microbiome News and Publications
Congratulations to Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic for the NIH grant
Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic, Associate Professor with the USF Center for Microbiome Research and the USF Neuroscience Institute, has received a highly competitive NIH R21 grant as a Multiple Principal Investigator in collaboration with Dr. Yuan Tang (University of Toledo).
Congratulations to Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic for the NIH grant
Microbiomes should be incorporated into The One Health Joint Plan of Action.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all attendees from the 2nd International Conference on Microbiomes, Biodiversity, and Their Impact on Global and One Health, held at the University of South Florida in February 2025, the USF Microbiomes Institute proudly presents the first group publication.
Microbiomes should be incorporated into The One Health Joint Plan of Action.
Global experts convene to explore the cutting-edge science of microbiomes
Experts from around the world recently gathered at USF Health to talk about advances in the science of microbiomes.
Global experts convene to explore the cutting-edge science of microbiomes
USF Microbiomes Institute Survey and Affiliation Invitiation
USF Microbiomes Institute Survey and Affiliation Invitation
If you are interested in becoming an affiliate of the USF Microbiomes Institute, please fill out the survey and send your CV to graca@usf.edu.