Scientists in the field have found the microbial community, or microbiome of the gut affects not only gastrointestinal health, but has links to the brain, immune system and even our circadian clocks. The fitness of the gut microbiome has also been associated with certain chronic disease risk, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
"Danone North America appreciates that scientists have made great strides in identifying the role and importance of the human gut microbiome. They have also found that the food we eat can have an immediate and dramatic impact on the makeup of our microbiome," says Miguel Freitas, PhD, vice president of scientific affairs at Danone North America.
Danone said the interest in microbiomes has exploded since the launch of Common Fund's Human Microbiome Project (HMP) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2007. While there is a better understanding of what a "normal" human microbiome looks like, how its controlled or how it can be changed hasn't been fully elucidated.
Recipients of the Danone North America Fellowship Grant will support these efforts by exploring how the gut microbiome, yogurt and probiotics help sustain human health and wellness through growth, development, and longevity.
About the 2021-2022 Danone Fellowship Grant
The program is currently accepting applications until February 14, 2022. To qualify, individuals must be incoming or current graduate students who have demonstrated an interest in exploring the gut microbiome, probiotics and yogurt to better understand how they help support and maintain human health and wellness.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, show proof of US residence, and be able to utilize the scholarship funds during 2022 at an accredited US institution, pending Covid-19 guidelines. All applicants will be required to submit an application that includes answers to essay questions, recommendations from two faculty members, and proof of good academic standing.
The application and full scholarship details are available here.