What is it about?
The Microbiome Sciences are at a crucial maturation stage. Scientists and educators should now view the Microbiome Sciences as a flourishing and autonomous discipline, creating degree programs and departments that are conducive to cohesive growth. The origin-to-ratification story for the genome sciences occurred after its first two decades; now is the time for it to materialize for the Microbiome Sciences.
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Why is it important?
Establishing accredited degree-granting programs will enhance microbiome research rigor and reproducibility by standardizing training in this area. Furthermore, a student’s and/or researcher’s “science identity” revolves around skills development and mastery of a discipline. Authenticating the Microbiome Sciences as an accredited discipline will validate expert interdisciplinary microbiome scientists who have long felt stuck in a limbo between two or more disciplines.
Perspectives
Up until now, the Microbiome Sciences has been viewed as a tool rather than an autonomous discipline. Expanding microbiome educational opportunities at all levels will help to boost microbiome research, but also bolster public awareness and scientific literacy of the microbiome’s essential role in human, agricultural, and environmental health.
Nichole Ginnan
Pennsylvania State University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: It is time to authenticate the Microbiome Sciences with accredited educational programs and departments, PLoS Biology, December 2023, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002420.
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