Prof. Eugene B. CHANG of The University of Chicago, USA, delivers PAIR Seminar “Microbiome Medicine: Understanding Health and Disease through the Lens of Ecological and Evolutionary Principles"
PAIR Seminar Series
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Date
30 Mar 2026
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Organiser
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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Time
10:30 - 12:00
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Venue
Lecture Theatre HJ302, 3/F Stanley Ho Building, PolyU (Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis) Map
Speaker
Prof. Eugene B. CHANG
Enquiry
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research info.pair@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
Abstract
The gut microbiome—comprising trillions of microorganisms—is a vital organ of the body essential to host health in all stages of life. Disruptions to the gut microbiome are linked to a wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, gut-related disorders and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, unlike for other vital organs, clinical tools for assessing and improving gut microbiome health are lacking. Predicting and promoting gut microbiome recovery following perturbations such as antibiotic treatment, dietary shifts, or inflammation remain major challenges in clinical practice. At the University of Chicago, we are establishing a new medical discipline, Microbiome Medicine, that leverages basic discovery in microbiome sciences into precision healthcare by developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and training programs to promote health, prevent disease, and personalize care. Ultimately, resolving the challenges of maintaining or restoring microbiome restitution must take into account ecological and evolutionary principles that underpin host-microbe interactions.
Prof. Eugene B. CHANG
Martin Boyer Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Chicago, USA
Prof. Eugene B CHANG is the Martin Boyer Distinguished Professor at the University of Chicago (UChicago) who early in his career made several seminal discoveries and scholarly contributions to the understanding of intestinal epithelial biology and water and electrolyte transport in states of gut health and disease. His research focus then shifted to studies of environmental, evolutionary and ecological drivers that determine host-microbial interactions of the GI tract, particularly in the context of IBD and metabolic disorders. His investigations employ experimental, bioinformatic and clinical approaches to define specific mechanisms of action that underpin states of intestinal eubiosis and dysbiosis. In this regard, he was actively involved in the NIH Human Microbiome Project and established most of the research infrastructure for microbiome studies at UChicago. His notable leadership roles include serving as the Director of the NIDDK P30 Digestive Disease Research Core Center (DDRCC) at the UChicago, member of the NIDDK Advisory Council, past-President of the Gastroenterology Research Group, Chair of the AGA council, the inaugural Basic Research Councilor of the AGA Governing Board, and the Chair of the AGA committee for Gut Microbiome Research and Education. Dr. Chang created and is currently the Director of the UChicago Microbiome Medicine Program which takes discovery to clinical practice. He also has an extensive record of successful mentorship over 4 decades as the Program Director of a NIDDK training grant (T32) in Digestive Health and Diseases, life-time Master of the Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators at the UChicago, and recipient of numerous mentorship and teaching awards.
Personal website: https://ciic.uchicago.edu/people/eugene-chang
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