Training the Next Generation of Microbiologists: Collaboration is Key

Companies have historically, at their peril, relegated new microbiologists to siloed functions. Whether that be in the QC laboratory, R&D, QA, or elsewhere, new microbiologists build important, but limited expertise, that does little to make them effective in delivering products of high microbial integrity to the marketplace. Only after many years in the industry, perhaps working in several different functions, does the average personal care microbiologists reach a point in their career journey where they can start to see the full picture of holistic microbial control. Microbiologists of the future will face new and varying challenges including how to support sustainability efforts while maintaining high microbial integrity. By proactively outlining how we can combine the expertise of industry specialists, with the reach and institutional resources of academia, the training of microbiologists can be more efficient. With focused collaboration, the next generation of microbiologists can, even as newcomers to the industry, be prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective on day one.