DanoneWave opens applications for $50K grant in yogurt, probiotics, and gut microbiome research

"Fostering scientific advancements to benefit public health is a core value of Dannon and DanoneWave,"​ said Miguel Freitas, PhD, Vice President of Scientific Affairs at DanoneWave. "Exploration into the gut microbiome, probiotics and yogurt represents an exciting and rapidly developing area of study – one that appears to have a remarkable impact on human health."​

Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2018. A committee will select an individual who is an incoming or current graduate student who have demonstrated an interest in exploring the gut microbiome, probiotics, and/or yogurt.

To be eligible, applicants must show a proof of US residence and be able to utilize the scholarship funds during 2018 at an accredited US institution.

The award amount was doubled to its current sum​​ in October last year. This year’s grantees​​, selected from over 120 applicants by an international committee of scientists in food and nutrition, were Erin Davis from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Haley Chatelaine from The Ohio State University.

According to the company, the benefit of probiotics and fermented foods like yogurt “has taken off as scientists uncover the powerful relationship between the microorganisms in the gut and human health.”​

"Supporting future scientific leaders aligns with our aim to change the way the world eats to benefit both people's and our planet's health,"​ says Dr. Freitas. "We recognize that the next generation of scientists are integral to reaching this goal."​