Danone North America champions gut-brain research with new fellowships for Vanderbilt and Rice students

Danone North America has announced the winners of its 2024-2025 Gut Microbiome, Yogurt and Probiotic Fellowship Program, awarding US$25,000 each to Owen Hale of Vanderbilt University and Ella Ramamurthy of Rice University for research projects delving into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome, probiotics and human health.

Now in its 13th year, the fellowship has distributed over half a million dollars to emerging researchers investigating how nutrition intersects with health and the gut microbiome. Danone North America, headquartered in White Plains, New York, describes the program as a way to nurture scientific talent while broadening knowledge in a field of growing public interest.

“As interest in gut health continues to grow, it’s critical that we support early-stage research that helps uncover how probiotic-rich foods, like certain fermented dairy products, can influence human health,” commented Miguel Freitas, PhD, Vice President of Nutrition and Scientific Affairs at Danone North America. “Owen and Ella’s projects stood out for their scientific merit and potential impact, and we’re excited to see the discoveries their work will bring to light.”

The fellowship’s funding is unrestricted, allowing recipients to pursue their studies independently. Winners are chosen by a panel of experts based on scientific quality, faculty recommendations and relevance to human health, without regard to any commercial benefit for Danone.

Consumers are increasingly drawn to functional foods – products that go beyond basic nutrition by containing elements such as probiotics or fiber that may support specific aspects of health. This rising demand is mirrored in scientific research examining how the gut microbiome might influence brain, digestive and immune function.

Hale’s work at Vanderbilt University explores how eco-evolutionary dynamics within the gut microbiome affect human health, with a particular focus on understanding dysbiosis – a microbial imbalance that can contribute to conditions ranging from inflammation to infections.

More specifically, Hale’s research seeks to reveal how antimicrobial compounds produced by Lactobacilli – often used in probiotic supplements and yogurt fermentation – affect Enterobacteria, a group of bacteria that can become harmful in certain contexts.

“I hope my discoveries will inform the development of evolutionarily sustainable treatments or preventative strategies that will protect people from harmful bacteria linked to dysbiosis, inflammation and infection,” Hale said.

Ramamurthy, pursuing her graduate studies at Rice University, aims to shed light on the communication pathways between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Her project involves engineering a probiotic bacterium capable of importing, sensing and producing neurotransmitters in the gut, with the goal of maintaining balanced levels that may play a role in mental health.

“This funding underscores the significance of probiotics in maintaining neurotransmitter homeostasis in the gut microbiome,” Ramamurthy said. “With Danone North America’s support, I’m excited to study the gut-brain axis and develop interventions to restore a healthy gut microbiota and improve overall wellness.”

Dr Freitas emphasized that science in this arena is advancing rapidly, with important implications for how people view the role of food in health.

“Science in this space is evolving at an incredible pace,” he said. “With the support of this fellowship, these students are not only contributing to academic progress, but also helping shape a future where food plays a central role in preventative health.”

Danone launched its fellowship program in 2010 as part of its commitment to support nutrition science and foster new talent. While the program aligns with Danone’s mission to promote health through food, the company notes that grant recipients are free to pursue their research independently and that the projects are conducted without oversight or involvement from Danone.

This year’s award underscores a broader scientific and consumer interest in probiotics, fermented foods and their potential to influence everything from gastrointestinal function to mental well-being. The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms in the digestive tract, has become a major focus for researchers studying links between diet and various health outcomes.

With the 2024-2025 fellowships, Danone North America signals its intention to continue supporting the emerging scientists exploring these connections, as curiosity around the microbiome and its broader impacts continues to expand.

Hale and Ramamurthy join a growing list of fellowship alumni whose projects have spanned topics including yogurt’s role in digestive health, the development of probiotic strains with targeted benefits, and deeper analysis of how specific bacterial populations contribute to overall wellness.

As their research moves forward, both scientists will contribute to a field that is becoming increasingly central to how people think about food, health and personalized nutrition strategies.