Launch symposium of the new Centre of Excellence "U-MaMi: Advancing Health Equity Through Microbiome-Centric and Interdisciplinary Research" with cooperation of the Department of Marketing.

On Friday, March 13, 2026, at Hof van Liere, the U-MaMi team will bring together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry partners and healthcare providers around a single central question: how can we use microbiome knowledge to reduce health inequalities? We will pay particular attention to women, children, and other vulnerable groups. 

Programme overview

We will begin at 1:00 PM with an official opening by Vice-Rector Maarten Weyn, followed by a keynote address by Jacques Ravel on the vaginal microbiota and its translation into clinical practice.

In the afternoon, we will explore themes from various disciplines, such as microbiome-driven prevention, ethics and inclusive innovation, population dynamics, and value co-creation with citizens, patients, and other stakeholders. The day will conclude with a panel discussion on collaboration between universities, industry, and healthcare, followed by a networking reception. 

With U-MaMi, we aim to build a vibrant, interdisciplinary ecosystem where microbiome research, preventive medicine, demography, ethics, marketing, and citizen science reinforce each other. Your experience and perspective are particularly valuable, and we hope you will join us in exploring how we can move from knowledge to impact, both locally and internationally. 

Practical information

• Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
• Time: 1 - 5:30 p.m. (reception to follow)
• Location: Stadscampus University of Antwerp
• Venue: Conference Center Hof van Liere
• Address: Prinsstraat 13, Antwerp
• ​How to get there​
• More info: Sarah Ahannach​

Feel free to forward this invitation to interested colleagues in your network. We look forward to welcoming you to the U-MaMi launch symposium and kicking off this new adventure together.