APC Microbiome Ireland (http://apc.ucc.ie) is an internationally renowned research institute which explores the role of the m ... icrobiome (microbiological community) in health and disease. The scale and scope of microbiome research has become one of the fastest moving areas of biology, of relevance to all branches of human medicine and veterinary science, and is of growing importance to the economic welfare of society. The APC has created a trans-disciplinary environment conducive to innovation with a mission to link Irish science with industry and society through excellence in research, education and outreach. Our institute is a partnership between University College Cork, Teagasc Food Research Centre and the Cork and Mercy University Hospitals, and is home to a team of over 300 researchers and clinicians. The APC collaborates with over 25 national and international industry partners from the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic sectors. APC research focuses on mining the microbiota to identify products (probiotic strains, metabolites, phage, prebiotics, anti-microbials etc) that can promote health and help prevent disease. This is of relevance to many populations, such as infants, athletes and elderly, and very relevant to disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular health, inflammation and colon cancer. The APC Microbiome Institute operates in the functional food and pharmaceutical sectors, developing food and pharma solutions targeting the gut microbiota for health promotion throughout life. read more