Sarkis Mazmanian

Sarkis Mazmanian is a renowned medical microbiologist and professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He is a pioneer in the study of the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our intestines—and its influence on our overall health. His research focuses on the “gut-brain axis,” which is the two-way communication system between the gut and the brain. Sarkis’s lab has made groundbreaking discoveries showing that gut bacteria can play a role in complex brain disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. For example, his work with mice has shown that certain gut microbes can influence Parkinson’s-like symptoms and that a fiber-rich diet can help reduce motor problems in these models. Sarkis’s work has earned him many top awards, including the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” award. He is also the co-founder of two biotechnology companies and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists. His research has opened up a new field of medicine, suggesting that therapies targeting the gut microbiome could be used to treat or prevent neurological diseases.