This Blended Intensive Programme explores the vital link between nutrition, the microbiome, and health, equipping students with interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on skills in microbiome analysis, bioinformatics, and personalized nutrition.

Through a combination of virtual learning and an immersive five-day workshop, the program fosters collaboration across academic and cultural boundaries, empowering students to address global health challenges such as chronic disease and sustainable dietary practices in line with the CIVIS Alliance’s mission for inclusive, transnational education and impactful research.

The Microbiome Matters BIP offers students a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact, interdisciplinary training at the intersection of microbiome research, clinical nutrition, and precision medicine. The programme is developed and delivered by a consortium of leading European institutions within the CIVIS Alliance, ensuring academic excellence and cross-border collaboration.

In addition to lectures and laboratory work, students will benefit from mentorship by internationally recognized researchers, intercultural exchange, and a supportive learning environment. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and have the chance to earn ECTS credits, subject to home institution approval.

The programme also fosters networking opportunities and may serve as a stepping stone for future research placements or graduate-level collaborations within the CIVIS network.

The physical component of the BIP will be held in Bucharest over five days (13-17 July 2026), incorporating interactive, hands-on activities that align with the programme's objectives while fostering intercultural exchange. The agenda blends practical applications, expert presentations, collaborative learning, and cultural immersion for a comprehensive educational experience.

Day 1: welcome, orientation, and setting the stage

Morning:

• welcome and program overview: Introduction by faculty and host representatives. Objectives and expectations for the physical component will be outlined;
• icebreaker activity: "Microbiome Around the Globe" – participants share cultural perspectives on food traditions and gut health;
• keynote lecture: “The Gut Microbiome and Its Global Relevance to Health and Nutrition” by an invited expert.

Afternoon:

• laboratory introduction: Orientation on microbiome analysis techniques, including sequencing platforms and flow cytometry for nutritional and microbial studies;
• workshop: Sample preparation for microbiome sequencing –participants, working in multicultural groups, will learn handling, preparation, and initial analysis of biological samples.

Evening:

• informal intercultural networking dinner featuring traditional dishes from participants’ countries.

Day 2: Microbiome analysis in practice

Morning:

• hands-on laboratory session: DNA extraction from stool samples and PCR amplification of microbiome markers;
• flow cytometry demonstration: introduction to flow cytometry techniques for analyzing microbiome and nutrition interactions, with participants exploring cell sorting and identifying microbial populations relevant to dietary interventions.

Afternoon:

• bioinformatics workshop: using pipelines like QIIME or R-based tools for microbiome data analysis. Participants will begin analyzing provided sample data;
• intercultural discussion: "Cultural Influences on Dietary Patterns and Microbiome Health" – group discussions on traditional diets and their role in shaping microbiome diversity globally.

Day 3: Eating disorders and nutritional interventions

Morning:

• expert presentation: Prof. Isabelle Mack will deliver a session on “The Role of the Microbiome in Eating Disorders,” exploring connections between gut health, mental health, and eating behaviors, with practical clinical insights;
• case study discussion: participants will work in groups to analyze case studies on eating disorders, emphasizing microbiome-informed dietary solutions.

Afternoon:

• practical workshop: Designing dietary interventions based on microbiome data. Participants will develop individualized nutrition plans for hypothetical patients, incorporating findings from flow cytometry and bioinformatics sessions.

Evening:

• cultural exchange evening: participants showcase traditions, music, or food from their countries, fostering cross-cultural networking and appreciation.

Day 4: Microbiome, cancer, and translational applications

Morning:

• seminar: “Microbiome, Cancer, and Nutrition” – exploring the interplay between dietary factors, gut microbiota, and cancer progression or prevention, presented by a leading expert;
• laboratory session: Advanced analysis of microbiome-related data, focusing on biomarkers relevant to cancer and chronic diseases.

Afternoon:

• role-playing workshop: simulated patient consultations where participants, acting as clinicians, researchers, or patients, discuss microbiome-based dietary recommendations for cancer prevention and other health conditions.

Day 5: Integration and reflection

Morning:

• group project presentations: participants present findings from their microbiome analyses, dietary interventions, and case studies. Faculty and peers will provide feedback;
• reflection session: participants discuss their learning outcomes, applications to their fields, and how cultural diversity influenced their perspectives.

Afternoon:

• closing ceremony: certificates of completion will be awarded, followed by a celebratory farewell lunch to mark the week’s accomplishments.

The online part of the course will run weekly, between 8 January - 9 April 2026, with a 2 hours duration per session.

• 8 January: Introduction to the BIP and microbiome fundamentals Establish programme goals and introduce key microbiome concepts.
• 15 January: Gut microbiota and chronic diseases Explore connections between the microbiome and disease onset.
• 22 January: Personalized nutrition strategies Examine dietary interventions for microbiome modulation.
• 29 January: Bioinformatics in microbiome research Introduce data analysis tools and their application.
• 5 February: Microbiome and eating disorders Analyze microbiome alterations linked to mental health.
• 12 February: Microbiome, cancer, and nutrition Explore the microbiome’s role in cancer prevention and care.
• 19 February: Case study: Obesity and metabolic health Collaborative problem-solving for real-world cases.
• 26 February: Case study: Microbiome in post-COVID patients Address microbiome recovery after viral infections.
• 5 March: Team-based solutions for chronic diseases Apply interdisciplinary approaches to microbiome challenges.
• 12 March: Preparing for dietary intervention design Practical considerations in project development.
• 19 March: Interpreting microbiome datasets Hands-on bioinformatics workshop.
• 26 March: Designing effective research presentations Develop communication skills for scientific audiences.
• 2 April: Finalizing team projects Group mentoring and review for project refinement.
• 9 April: Virtual project showcase and Q&A Present team findings and receive feedback.