INFORM Hub Annual In-Person Event Review

The INFORM Hub’s annual in-person gathering took place on June 24, 2025, at the Meadow Suite, Park House, University of Reading. The event attracted over fifty participants, including researchers, industry representatives, and stakeholders interested in health and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on gut health, mental well-being, and innovative nutritional interventions. The event’s primary objective was to facilitate discussion and networking in this area and to update attendees on ongoing research initiatives, funding opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Event Schedule and Highlights

Morning Session

The day began with a comprehensive update from Dr. Gemma Walton, the INFORM Hub Lead, who outlined recent developments and available funding opportunities. This was followed by presentations highlighting funded projects from various collaborators, accompanied by interactive Q&A sessions that fostered engagement and knowledge exchange.

Key presentations included overviews of feasibility studies, business interaction vouchers, and flexible mobility award impact reports. These sessions highlighted the practical applications of research in real-world contexts and included:

  • Associate Professor Tony Buckley – University of Leeds collaboration with Optibiotix Health PLC (Feasibility Study)
    “Assessment of prebiotic to improve gut health using MiGut, a novel microbiome nutrition analysis tool”.
  • Jelena Vulevic – veMico Ltd collaboration with University of Roehampton (Feasibility Study)
    “Examination of link between the gut Microbiome, Neurocognitive and Affective mechanisms in Host Sleep (MINAHS Study)”.

  • Associate Professor Daniel Lamport – University of Reading collaboration with Clasado Biosciences Ltd (Feasibility Study)
    “Exploring the effects of prebiotics for mental strain and physiological markers of stress in healthy, mildly stressed adults”.

  • Andrea Monteagudo- Mera – University of Reading collaboration with Epigenetics Ltd (Business Interaction Voucher)
  • “Can probiotics enhance perimenopausal well-being? A pilot trial investigating the anti-inflammatory, GABA-ergic, and estrobolomic effects of brevis LB01 on perimenopausal symptoms and wellness”.

  • Shane Gordon – NICHE Ulster University/ABC Nutrition Ltd/Nutrition Wise Ireland/University of Auckland/University of Leeds collaboration (FMA Impact Report)
    “    Parkinson’s Disease: From the gut to the brain,”

 The morning session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Professor Kieran Tuohy, featuring academic and industry experts. Topics covered mental wellbeing, infection recovery, and the role of nutrition in supporting health. The panel provided insights into current research and industry needs, fostering dialogue between academia and commercial entities.

Afternoon Session

The afternoon was dedicated to breakout discussion groups focusing on specific themes and questions derived from previous online discussions held in February 2025. Topics included effective communication of probiotics and mental health research, addressing diverse demographic needs, integrating traditional medicine with modern science, and exploring the potential of functional foods and natural products in infection recovery.

Further discussions emphasised the importance of targeted research on female athletes and ageing populations, as well as the need for holistic approaches that consider hormonal changes, gut health, and overall quality of life during menopause. These sessions aimed to identify research gaps and develop strategies for advancing multidisciplinary health and nutrition research.

The event concluded with networking opportunities and refreshment breaks, allowing attendees to engage informally. The final session involved feedback from breakout groups, synthesising key insights and outlining future directions for research and collaboration.

Summaries from each of the breakout discussion sessions can be downloaded below:

24-6-25 Breakout Discussion Exercise and Sports Recovery Support Summary
24-6-25 Breakout Discussion Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Summary
24-6-25 Breakout Discussion Post Illness Infection and Immune Support Summary
24-6-25 Breakout Discussion Managing Menopause Symptoms Support Summary

Key Themes and Outcomes

  • Advancement of research on probiotics, gut health, and mental health
  • Promotion of collaborations between industry and academia to translate research into practical solutions
  • Development of effective science communication strategies for diverse audiences
  • Identification of research gaps in sports nutrition, women’s health, and holistic health approaches
  • Encouragement of multidisciplinary approaches to health and nutrition research

The event successfully facilitated knowledge exchange, fostered new collaborations, and highlighted the importance of integrating scientific research with industry practices to improve health outcomes. It underscored the ongoing commitment of the INFORM Hub to support innovative research and its translation into societal benefits.