Even the cleanest kitchen sink, or "poembak," is teeming with unseen bacterial life. The POEMBAKterie citizen science project invites residents of Antwerp to explore this microbial world, helping researchers uncover what types of bacteria live in our homes—and why. By participating, citizens contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of household microbiomes, which may hold clues to broader issues such as antibiotic resistance, hygiene practices, and environmental sustainability.
POEMBAKterie highlights that not all bacteria are harmful; many are beneficial or neutral. Still, understanding the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in our everyday environments is crucial. Participants help LMM scientists investigate these microbial communities by submitting swab samples from their kitchen sinks and completing a survey about their home habits. This input aids in mapping patterns between lifestyle factors and bacterial presence using advanced genetic techniques.
Importantly, POEMBAKterie also challenges misconceptions: the goal isn’t to judge cleanliness, but to foster curiosity, raise awareness, and possibly even discover new bacterial species. This is a powerful example of how citizen involvement can directly contribute to real-world science.
👉 Residents of Antwerp and its districts can register to participate via https://poembakterie.be.
👉 The full (Dutch-language) article is available at EOS Wetenschap.