Sarah Lebeer | AIChE

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Sarah Lebeer

Research Professor
University of Antwerp



Sarah Lebeer is a dedicated microbiologist, recognized professor, and passionate advocate for the world of beneficial bacteria, and microbial one health. She is a mother of three and also aims to promote diversity in science.

Education

  • Master's degree, graduating magna cum laude, in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven (Belgium), specializing in cell and gene biotechnology with a minor in food & health (2004).
  • PhD degree in Bioscience Engineering, focusing on probiotics and inflammatory bowel diseases (KU Leuven, 2008).

Academic Achievements

  • Postdoctoral research focus on the interaction between lactobacilli, viruses, and mucosal immunology (KU Leuven, together with renown REGA institute)
  • Selected for a tenure track position in Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Antwerp's Department of Bioscience Engineering in November 2011.
  • Established the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology in 2012, establishing a strong presence in the field (https://lebeerlab.com).
  • Promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2023

Professional Passion

  • Leads a dedicated team of more than 30 scientists committed to advancing the applications of beneficial bacteria in human, animal, plant, and planetary health.
  • Renowned for her expertise in lactobacilli, Sarah continuously strives to unravel their beneficial functions in various environments.
  • Spearheaded pioneering citizen science research on fermented foods (https://isappscience.org/citizen-role-fermented-foods-research/ ) and lactobacilli in the nose (https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2020/06/11/the-nose-it-seems-is-protected-by-bacterial-guards ).
  • Since her postdoc, Sarah also studies vaginal lactobacilli and women’s health, in the beginning with a focus on infections like HIV and fungi, now also on the composition of the ecosystem in healthy women
  • In 2020, Sarah secured a prestigious European Research Council Starting Grant, named Lacto-Be, furthering her knowledge of the evolutionary history and ecology of lactobacilli.
  • With her team, Sarah launched the Isala citizen-science project in 2020 to deepen the understanding of vaginal lactobacilli's ecology and role in women's health (https://isala.be/en).

Academic track record

  • Demonstrates a track record of academic excellence with over 160 peer-reviewed papers published in esteemed journals such as Nature, Nature Microbiology (Reviews) and PNAS.
  • Actively contributes to the dissemination of her research findings to a broader audience.

Advocacy and Entrepreneurship

  • Serves as an academic board member of the International Association on Probiotics and Prebiotics (www.isappscience.org).

  • Strong advocate for fostering entrepreneurship in life sciences and microbiome biotechnology.

  • Co-founder of YUN, a company dedicated to probiotics for the skin (www.yun.be).

  • Aspires to establish a spin-off company specializing in microbiome therapeutics for women's health, with a firm belief in addressing women's unique needs.

Sarah Lebeer's contributions to science, women's health, and entrepreneurial endeavors aim to inspire scientists and laymen across the world to pave the way for a microbially healthier and more informed future.