Intestinal Microbiome of Humans and Animals

Organised by	The Graduate School VLAG, in co-operation with the Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, NL
Date	Wed 15 April 2026 until Fri 17 April 2026

Background

The intestinal tract of humans and animals contains a microbiome that consists of thousands of different microorganisms and their genetic repertoire which closely interact with each other and their mammalian host, and are intimately linked to nutrition and health.
Previous editions of this postgraduate course were entitled ‘Light in the intestinal tract tunnel’ (2009), ‘Functional metagenomics of the intestinal tract and food-related microbes’ (2011) and ’The Intestinal Microbiome and Diet in Human and Animal Health’ (2014, 2017, 2019, 2023).

Target group

The course is aimed at PhD students and postdocs with a background in animal, veterinary, (micro)biological, health, or food sciences and open for participants from both industry and universities/research centers.

Course aim

This course aims to provide a detailed scientific background on the mechanisms that underlie the role of the microbiome in human and animal nutrition and health. The program combines knowledge on microbial composition and function with dietary factors and health aspects in humans, laboratory and farm animals.

Course design

The course consists of a number of thematic blocks that are each introduced by two lectures providing the latest scientific knowledge on the different subjects, followed by ample time for discussion and interaction of participants with each other and lecturers. Participants will be asked to provide short (2-5 min) pitches to introduce their own projects.
Participants are challenged to actively contribute to discussions in interactive sessions following lectures.

Programme topics

• Ecological concepts - resilience, individuality, dynamic (developmental) trajectories/patterns
• Closing the gap between in vitro & in vivo models
• One health & circular solutions
• Novel developments in sampling and measurements
• Masterclass What’s up what’s new in microbiome analyses

Organisation

Course coordinators

• Prof Clara Belzer, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
• Dr Detmer Sipkema, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
• Prof Hauke Smidt, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
• Dr Erwin Zoetendal, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

Other faculty

• Other factulty to be confirmed

 

Date & duration

The course will be held from 15-17 April 2026, 3 days.

Study load

The study load of this course is 0.8 ECTS credits.

Language

The course language will be English.

Registration

The final registration date is 15 March 2026. When you register before 18 February 2026, you will receive an early bird discount.

Registration will be accepted in the order in which the registration form is received. You will be notified on acceptance of your registration. Additional information will follow afterwards.

The course fee (which includes coffee/tea during breaks, lunches and one dinner but does not cover accommodation) depends on the participant's affiliation:

Registration type	Early bird fee	Regular fee
VLAG/WUR PhD and EngD candidates*	€ 225	€ 275
All other PhD candidates	€ 450	€ 500
Postdocs and staff affiliated with VLAG	€ 450	€ 500
All other academic participants and participants from  non-profit organisations	€ 625	€ 675
Industry / for-profit organisations	€ 1200	€ 1250

* WUR PhD candidates with an approved TSP

Cancellation policy

After acceptance of your registration, the VLAG Cancellation Conditions for course participants will apply.

Contact information

Information concerning the course contents can be obtained from prof. Hauke Smidt, phone: +31 317 483102.

For organisational matters please contact:
Mrs. Yvonne Smolders
VLAG Graduate School
Phone: +31 317 485108
Email: yvonne.smolders@wur.nl