LAMB

The Lab of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (LAMB) is a large dynamic research group at the Bioscience Engineering department of the University of Antwerp. LAMB is led by Prof. Sarah Lebeer and co-PIs Prof. Irina Spacova, Prof. Sandra Van Puyvelde and Prof. Dieter Vandenheuvel, and also includes Prof. Lidia Casas and Prof. Arno Wouters. The group specializes in the interactions of bacteria with humans, plants and animals and explores how microorganisms can improve health in urbanized environments. Through citizen science and ecological and molecular-mechanistic approaches, fundamental insights are gained into microbiome composition and dynamics, and interesting microorganisms are identified that can contribute to host health as well as the environment. Some of our projects include the Isala project (vaginal microbiome in Flemish women), the Isala sisterhoods (international partners) led by Prof. Sarah Lebeer, and BUGS (Benefits of Urban Green Spaces) in the group of Prof. Irina Spacova. Recently, our group also funded the U-MaMi Center of Excellence: Advancing Health Equity through Microbiome-Centric & Multidisciplinary Research. In addition to our academic endeavors, we offer our microbiome expertise and microbial-based therapeutics and solutions to industry through our service platform.