On 11 June 2026, Dr Cyrus A. Mallon, a postdoctoral researcher at University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), an INITIALISE consortium partner, took part in Dutch Microbiome Day in Groningen.

Cyrus studies the environmental, ecological and evolutionary factors that shape the infant microbiome. His research looks at how the microbiome develops in early life and how it interacts with the immune system, including the role of human milk oligosaccharides and host-microbiome interactions.

During the first pitch session, Cyrus shared his research on “Microbiome-Mediated Modulation of Immune Development in Early Life.” His work explores how the microbiome may influence immune development during infancy, a key area of research within INITIALISE.

Dutch Microbiome Day brought together researchers from across microbiome science, giving Cyrus the opportunity to share INITIALISE-related research and connect with researchers from different disciplines.

Congratulations to Cyrus on presenting his research and representing INITIALISE at Dutch Microbiome Day 2026 in Groningen.