International Microbiome Symposium: Emerging Technology & Clinical Application

25 November 2026 | Van der Valk Hotel Lent, The Netherlands

NimaGen, Maastricht University and MosaBiome are pleased to invite you to the 
International Microbiome Symposium: Emerging Technology & Clinical Application.

This one-day symposium brings together researchers, scientists and professionals to explore the latest developments in microbiome research, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and their clinical applications.

Throughout the day, leading experts will share their knowledge and insights across seven presentations covering a range of topics within microbiome research.

The symposium offers an opportunity to learn about new developments in the field, discover emerging technologies and discuss their potential applications in research and clinical settings.

Whether you are actively working in microbiome research or simply interested in the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field, we look forward to welcoming you.

Date: 25 November 2026
Time: 09:00 – 18:00
Location: Van der Valk Hotel Lent, The Netherlands

The venue is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the train station, making it easily accessible by public transport.

Drinks and snacks will be available throughout the day, and lunch is included. At the end of the day there is a reception, providing plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas and continue the conversation.

Take a look at the full program to discover the speakers and topics covered during the symposium.

View the full program in PDF

Welcome and Introduction

• 09:00 - Registration & Coffee
• 09:30 - Welcome, Introduction NimaGen X Maastricht University
• 09:45 - The past, present and future of microbiome research - Prof. dr. John Penders, Maastricht University
  
  

The Microbiome early life

• 10:00 - Talk 1: Early-life microbiome development current insights and outstanding questions - Dr. Niels van Best, Maastricht University 
• 10:30 - Talk 2: The role of the infant microbiome in health & disease: from observation to intervention - Dr. Patricia Maasjosthusmann, University of Bielefeld
• 11:00 - Talk 3 - The microbiota and vaccine response - Dr. Susana Fuentes, RIVM
• 11:30 - Q & A Discussion
• 12:00 - Lunch & Networking
  
  

Clinical and nutritional applications of the microbiome 

• 13:00 - Talk 4: Microbiome & Colorectal Cancer - Associate professor Annemarie Boleij, Radboudumc
• 13:30 - Talk 5: The 16S gut microbiome as a boring lab test: clinical validation to predict outcome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. - Prof. Dr. Geert Martens, AZ Delta
• 14:00 - Talk 6: Drugs, diet and the microbiome - Drs. Doortje Böhm, Catharina Hospital
• 14:30 - Q & A Discussion
• 15:00 - Coffee Break
  
  

Technology & Education Spotlight

• 15:30 - Talk 7: Unlocking the Microbiome: Robust Library Preparation for 16S & ITS Sequencing - Dr. Brian van der Veer, NimaGen
• 16:00 - Talk 8: How to set up a microbiome study: microbiome research standards and good practices - Dr. David Barnett, Maastricht University Medical Center
• 16:30 - Q & A Discussion & Closing remarks
• 17:30 - Reception & Networking

We look forward to welcoming you in Lent for a day of science, innovation and connection in microbiome research.

Join us on 25 November and be part of the conversation shaping the future of microbiome research. 
We look forward to seeing you in Lent!

Team NimaGen & Maastricht University