Sarah Lebeer is Full Professor of Microbiology at the University of Antwerp and leads the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Her research focuses on beneficial microbes, particularly lactobacilli, their molecular mechanisms of action, and their applications for human health. Her team studies host-microbe interactions across the gut, respiratory tract, and female reproductive tract, combining fundamental microbiology with translational research. She has authored over 200 scientific publications and is currently Vice-President of ISAPP.