Microbioma Comunidade
Characterizing the human gut microbiome with the help from citizens in the Lisbon Region, specifically in Oeiras
Oeiras Experimenta in numbers
6
researchers involved
32
participating families
119
citizen scientists from age 6 to 95 >300
samples >1000
visitors in events
1
Master’s thesisScientific Goals
Within each of us lies an invisible universe of microorganisms that influence our health and well-being. Microbioma Comunidade Portugal undertook a pioneering study to conduct a longitudinal characterization of the human gut microbiome in 32 families, tracking healthy individuals over time to understand the natural stability of this ecosystem. The data collected will be crucial for establishing national reference standards and supporting the development of innovative strategies in preventive health.
Partners
This project was launched by the C+C Program through a strong collaboration among the following institutions:
- ITQB NOVA
- GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine
- CBR – Católica Biomedical Research Center
- Everything is New – NOS ALIVE Festival
- Oeiras Municipality
Scientists Results and Impact
The project achieved important scientific results, namely:
- The gut microbiome of the studied community is dominated by the phyla Bacillota and Bacteroidota;
- The composition remained relatively stable across time points, suggesting the natural consistency of the gut ecosystem;
- With a 94% adherence rate – an exceptional result in longitudinal studies – the participants demonstrated exemplary commitment and became ambassadors for the project;
The microbial profile observed is typical of a Western population, similar to that of Spanish populations, reflecting industrialized dietary habits and lifestyles;
In December 2025, individual and community reports were prepared and sent to all participants, directly sharing knowledge with participating families and the community at large.
The samples remain stored and will be used in future studies, ensuring that this pilot project becomes a lasting foundation for scientific research in Portugal.
A general report on the study was also prepared and made available to the entire community.
Citizen Scientists
During the project, families were involved in various stages of the scientific process:
- Collecting samples at home and delivering them directly to researchers;
- Completing questionnaires and submitting suggestions;
- Participating as ambassadors at events (European Researchers’ Night, open days, conferences);
- Visiting partner laboratories;
- Raising awareness and promoting scientific literacy;
The exhibition “Bactérias que habitam o nosso intestino” was also launched, through a close partnership between ITQB NOVA and the Municipality of Oeiras. This exhibition features illustrations by artist Isa Silva, inspired by the results of project.
If you would like to host the exhibition at your school, library, institution, or other venue, submit your request to programacienciamaiscidada@itqb.unl.pt.
Patrícia Morais, Master’s Student and Project Manager at Microbioma Comunidade Portugal
As a master’s student and project manager, I had the privilege of supporting an innovative initiative dedicated to deepening our understanding of the human gut microbiome and its fundamental role in well-being.
