Last month, the US government launched the public-private National Microbiome Initiative (NMI) to research microbiomes in different ecosystems. The three recommended areas of focus are: interdisciplinary research, to further understanding about the relationship between microbiomes and their ecosystems; platform technologies, to increase collaboration and access to research data; and workforce expansion, to encourage engagement in educational opportunities. In fiscal 2016 and 2017, the federal government plans to invest $121 million in the NMI. In addition, more than 100 non-government entities will invest over $400 million into the project. In addition, the National Science and Technology Council is creating a Federal Strategic Plan for microbiome research through the newly created Microbiome Interagency Working Group that will aid communication and collaboration between the various federal entities participating in the initiative.

Source: White House Office of Science and Technology Policy