Q- What is microbiome and why is it important for our health?

A- Microbiomes are everything, because microorganisms are everywhere, they have been on the surface of the planet since life originated, unlike us who have been here for a very short time. There are microbiomes everywhere, for example, in our gut there is a microbiome that we are recently discovering how important it is for our health, even for our brain. In the sea, in the land, in the soil, everywhere there is a microbiome, that is, a set of microorganisms that are essential for things to work properly.

Q- How can knowledge of the microbiome influence disease prevention and treatment?

A- In the case of the gut, for example, it has been shown that some bacteria are pathogenic, while others protect us. So, by studying which microorganisms grow in different people with different conditions or healthy people, we can identify which ones they are, and by looking for the genes responsible for this pathogenicity, we can try to solve them.

Q- How can science outreach contribute to improving public understanding of the latest advances in microbiome research?

A- For me, outreach is not just an obligation, but a necessity. When I understand something about nature, in my case about microorganisms, I find it wonderful and enlightening, and what I need is to transmit that excitement and that beauty to other people because I think they can enjoy it as much as I do. And then, on the other hand, there is the issue of making informed decisions about things, not being fooled by pseudoscience and things that are not substantiated, having a bit of judgement when deciding what you can trust and what you can't trust, and obviously that is fundamental. 

Q- What challenges have you encountered when communicating complex concepts related to microorganisms to different audiences?

A- The main problem that I have encountered is that many times people, in particular journalists, do not know what to ask, so they fall back on cliché questions. And the challenge is to divert that cliché question into something that is interesting, to attract that person to your field.

Q- Focusing on the Second Congress in which we find ourselves, which has been organised entirely by the students of the Master’s Degree in Virology of the UV, how do you value the relevance and impact of this congress for their training and professional development?

A- What amazes me is that the master's students are the ones who organise such a well put together congress, this is shocking, and I also think it's fantastic that there is a subject that has a congress as part of it. When I was studying, obviously, until I was very old, I didn't know how to do these things. And then, the exchange of opinions and knowledge between different researchers is always a very positive thing, it is something very necessary. I'm sorry I won't be 20 years old again to sign up for this master's degree, I think it's very attractive because of the way it's organised.  

Q- With more than 25 years of experience as a researcher and science communicator, what message would you convey to the students attending this conference?

A- That they should do what they are passionate about. You have to do something you are passionate about because otherwise you are lost, you will be in a routine job in which you will not have a good time. On the other hand, if you do something you are passionate about, you are sure to get ahead in one way or another.