Academy and ISAPP to Host Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, and the Host Microbiome

NEW YORK, May 23, 2013—On Wednesday, June 12, The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences and The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) will present the Probiotics, Prebiotics, and the Host Microbiome: The Science of Translation conference and simulcast webinar.

This conference will bring together researchers and policy makers to explore strategies to translate scientific knowledge on the convergence of the microbiome, prebiotics, probiotics, and host physiology into nutritional and therapeutic applications for inflammation, obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, and malnutrition.

"Over recent years we have begun to understand the extent to which health status depends on a complex interplay between a host and its microbiome. This is a very exciting time as we seek to translate this knowledge into the development of microbe-based therapies to prevent and treat a range of acute and chronic diseases," says conference organizer Colin Hill, President of ISAPP and Professor of Microbial Food Safety at University College Cork, Ireland.

The conference will serve as a neutral forum to critically examine the potential population-wide economic and public health benefits of translating this research into innovative functional foods and biotherapeutics for a broad spectrum of conditions.

"As just one example, many infants born healthy in developing countries will die because of diarrheal diseases that probiotics might have prevented or helped treat. This conference is not just about understanding science, it's about life, and how microbes can help make it better," says conference speaker Gregor Reid, Professor at Western University and Chair of Human Microbiology and Probiotics at Lawson Health Research Institute, Canada.

Conference participants will apply the rigorous standards of evidence-based medicine and evidence-based nutrition to evaluate and outline novel research and policy strategies to advance the incorporation of prebiotics- and probiotics-based applications to improve public health. 

"Understanding the role of the host microbiome in health and disease is an important topic in nutrition science. The Sackler Institute is glad to be hosting this conference together with partners to address a frontier topic in research today, hoping that we can take further steps towards filling the knowledge gaps and facilitating the development of public health solutions," says Mandana Arabi, Founding Executive Director of The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science.

A limited number of press passes are available to this sold-out event. To RSVP as press, contact Diana Friedman (dfriedman@nyas.org; 212.298.8645).

About The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) is an association of academic and industrial scientists dedicated to advancing the science behind probiotics and prebiotics. Incorporated as a nonprofit organization, ISAPP is supported by companies committed to probiotic and prebiotic research. ISAPP organizes focused annual meetings, convening top international academic and industry experts to discuss the emerging topics in the field. Resultant meeting reports and peer-reviewed papers are prepared to disseminate key findings. The activities of ISAPP are directed by a Board of Directors, currently composed of 12 leaders in the probiotic, prebiotic and microbiota research community. To learn more, please visit www.isapp.net.

About The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science
The New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with The Mortimer D. Sackler Foundation, Inc., established The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science to create a coordinated effort to support and disseminate nutrition science research. The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science is dedicated to advancing nutrition science research and knowledge, mobilizing communities, and translating this work into the field. The Institute is generating a coordinated network across sectors, disciplines, and geographies that promotes open communication; encourages exchange of information and resources; nurtures the next generation of scientists; and affects community intervention design and public policy changes. Visit us online at www.nyas.org/nutrition.

About the New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With 25,000 members in 140 countries, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.