Dr. Vitor, Cedran Piro (FU)
Dr. Sofia, Paraskevopoulou (RKI)
Dr. Shuba, Varshini Alampalli (CH)

The Berlin Metagenomics Network (BeMGNet) is a professional development initiative designed to create a cohesive platform for postdoctoral researchers working in the rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary field of metagenomics. By strengthening metagenomic data analysis, the network will help address key challenges such as host–microbiome interactions, “One Health” focused antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and pandemic preparedness. BeMGNet aims to build a city-wide community for sharing bioinformatics expertise and to encourage collaborative grant development among postdoctoral researchers and PhD students from BUA/BR50 institutions (FU, Charité, RKI, etc.). The project will be delivered through seasonal one-day workshops and a focused retreat, supported by an open-access online hub for knowledge exchange and resource sharing. Together, these activities promote interdisciplinary collaboration, support high-impact publications and joint funding applications, and ensure long-term sustainability through an organizing committee and the strategic pursuit of follow-up grants.