What do curds, sourdough mothers, bokashi barrels and dry toilets have in common? What effect do environmental issues have on our intestines?
In order to answer these questions, we need to develop a new perspective across research fields and integrate different research methods. The microbial world that surrounds us, inside and out, both houses and nourishes us. Although mostly hidden from human eyes, it holds the key to humanity's future in a dynamic world.
On Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, a conference will be held in the National Museum of Iceland, where microbes and culture will be discussed with a diverse interdisciplinary approach.
Lecturers come from different fields of knowledge, such as microbiology, food science, ethnology, anthropology, nutrition, sociology, health sciences, design and performing arts; but have in common to emphasize the importance of the coexistence of people and microorganisms for the environment, health, social relations and culture.
Among the speakers are Agnes Þóra Árnadóttir and Snorri Páll Ólason, doctoral students at Matís, who will talk about their projects. Agnes will talk about the effect of mothers' diet on the intestinal flora of their young children, and Snorri about the microbial flora in a shark's gut.
The conference is open to everyone and admission is free. You can attend individual seminars.