Resources
Resources: Education & Outreach
The Education and Outreach activities of the COBRE Puerto Rico Center for Microbiome Sciences (PR-CMS) are designed to educate the broader community about the rapidly evolving and dynamic field of microbiome science while expanding regional knowledge and capacity in microbiome research. Through inclusive and accessible programming, PR-CMS promotes scientific literacy and awareness of the critical roles that microbiomes play in environmental sustainability, human health, and ecosystem resilience.
Our outreach efforts engage diverse audiences, including students, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members, through workshops, seminars, public lectures, training activities, and hands-on learning experiences. These initiatives aim to demystify microbiome science, highlight its relevance to everyday life, and inspire the next generation of scientists in
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
By fostering community engagement and educational partnerships, PR-CMS strengthens regional expertise, supports workforce development, and builds a sustainable foundation for microbiome research and innovation in the region.
What Is the Microbiome? Tiny organisms that rule the world
The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes—and their genetic material that live in and on all living organisms. In humans, these microbial communities inhabit places like the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory and reproductive tracts.
Far from being harmful, most of these microbes play essential roles in health: they help digest food, support the immune system, protect against pathogens, and influence many aspects of physiology. Microbiomes also exist in soils, oceans, plants, and animals, shaping ecosystems and driving biological processes across the planet.
In short, the microbiome is a dynamic, interconnected world of microbes that affects nearly every aspect of life. Take a look at important manuscripts from the COBRE leadership that focus on microbiomes across systems
Check out these review articles on the Microbiome by the Center’s Leadership:
