20.11.2024

"Scientists that Inspire": Microbiologist Lisa Maier nominated

Researcher says we must go beyond conventional approaches to find novel solutions

As par of the celebrations for its 50th anniversary, editors at research publisher Cell Press have nominated 50 notable scientists whose research and careers drive innovation, cross boundaries, and inspire the leaders of the future. One of them is Professor Dr. Lisa Maier of the University of Tübingen's Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine. Maier was selected as one of the Cell Press 50 Scientists that Inspire for her contributions to enhancing our understanding of how microbes and drugs interact in the human microbiome.

Dr. Maier is a biochemist by training. She received her doctorate in 2014 from the Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. During her postdoctoral training at EMBL Heidelberg in Germany, she developed high-throughput methods for the systematic study of drug-microbiome interactions. Since 2019, she has been leading her independent research group at the University of Tübingen, Germany, where she was recently appointed full professor at the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine. She is also involved in the Cluster of Excellence  “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections”, and the M3-Research Center for Malignome, Metabolome and Microbiome.

In her lab, Dr. Maier and her team use interdisciplinary approaches to study how lifestyle affects the human microbiome at a multi-scale level with the ultimate goal of improving human health. In this Q&A, she advises scientists to find inspiration in day-to-day life and embrace their unique personality traits as strengths rather than weaknesses

What inspired you to become a scientist?

Maier: Becoming a scientist was a gradual journey for me, shaped by opportunities and new directions I wanted to explore. I didn't grow up considering science as a profession—it wasn’t a childhood dream. I’d always enjoyed problem-solving, but it wasn't until university that I discovered the magic of laboratory experiments and developed a fascination with microbes. 

When I was preparing for my postdoc interview, I remember particularly struggling to answer questions about my career plans and whether I wanted to stay in academia for the long term. Although I was sure about the lab I was working in and the research direction for my postdoctoral studies, I was unsure about my future beyond that. It took until the end of my postdoctoral training for me to realize that I wanted to be a scientist with my own lab and team.

In retrospect, my supervisors and mentors realized long before I did that this was the right career path for me. Fortunately, they guided, supported, encouraged, and motivated me, ultimately inspiring me to become an independent scientist. They were my greatest source of inspiration.

What does innovation in science look like to you?

Maier: Scientific innovation involves making discoveries that advance our understanding and reshape our perspectives on established ideas. The drive to innovate motivates me; I aim to tackle important problems and provide novel solutions. This focus ensures that I spend my time in areas where I can have the greatest impact. I consider scientific discoveries to be truly innovative if they’re not merely incremental but rather transformative, leading to changes in research practices and explorations into new fields of study.

To innovate, we must think differently, as conventional approaches often lead to conventional solutions. Finding novelty involves understanding the gaps in existing knowledge, why those gaps exist, and what prevents us from overcoming them. Recognizing the limitations of current approaches or technologies helps us understand what we can and cannot learn, enabling us to overcome and explore new areas. For these reasons, innovation often occurs at the intersection of different research disciplines, with the advent of new technologies, or when faced with frustrating limitations.  

Tell us about a moment of discovery that has been a highlight of your career.

Maier: My postdoc with Nassos Typas and others at EMBL was incredibly influential because of the institute's commitment to fostering science in an interdisciplinary environment with flat hierarchies. During that time, we studied the effects of approximately 1,200 FDA-approved drugs on the gut microbiome. We found that many non-antibiotic drugs directly impact the growth of gut microbes, which has major implications for drug efficacy and antimicrobial resistance. Our study, published in 2018, garnered broad attention from both the scientific community and the general public. We presented our findings at numerous international conferences and did interviews with various international press outlets. 

Our research has opened up new areas of study, such as investigating whether certain drugs’ effects on the gut microbiome enhance therapeutic effects or contribute to a patient’s side effects. It has also inspired new medical applications, such as repurposing drugs as microbiome modulators to treat microbiome-associated diseases. 

This work highlights the need to rethink drug development pipelines and regulatory policies that currently overlook the impact of drugs on the microbiome. Reflecting on this project, it was not a single moment of discovery, but a series of insights that make it memorable because they continue to fascinate our team and others in the field.  

How do you navigate challenges or hurdles in your career?

Maier: Daily inspiration is crucial for overcoming the many challenges along the way in a career in science. I draw great motivation from my immediate surroundings: my colleagues, lab members, and family. Every event, interaction, new result, and insight presents a learning opportunity and can guide future actions. The key is to remain fully aware of the small inspirations that each experience offers.

What are you most excited about in your field right now?

Maier: While we recognize the vital role of gut bacteria in human health, much about the bacteria’s biology remains unknown. It's estimated that around 4,500 different species can colonize the human gut, with each person hosting between 250 and 500 species. However, 70% of these species have never been cultured in isolation, and up to 50% of these species’ genomic material functions is a mystery. It's crucial to explore these unknown genes, their mechanisms, and their functions because this deeper understanding is essential for unlocking the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiome.

Recently, various technologies have emerged to overcome major obstacles in studying the diverse bacteria of the gut microbiome. These technologies include innovative approaches in bacterial cultivation, genetic engineering, biochemistry, systems-based microbiology, structural and computational biology, and the application of artificial intelligence in biology.  

Alongside several colleagues, I will be coordinating a Germany-wide interdisciplinary consortium aimed at combining these technological advancements with microbiological research to elucidate gene functions in the human gut microbiome. 

We anticipate uncovering entirely new pathways, proteins, metabolites, and biological mechanisms in gut microbes. Revealing these fundamental processes will pave the way for microbiome-based therapies across various medical fields. I am incredibly excited about this endeavor and look forward to the groundbreaking science ahead.

Do you have words of wisdom for students thinking about a career in science—or advice you would give your younger self?

Maier: There are many paths to becoming a successful scientist and running a lab effectively. While seeking advice from others and observing successful role models can be helpful, ultimately, you need to discover what works best for you. This requires deep self-reflection so that you can leverage your unique personality traits. Although this process can be challenging, it is highly rewarding. 

For example, if I could give advice to my younger self, I would emphasize that being an introvert can be a clear advantage, especially in an academic environment. However, to make the most of this strength, you need to overcome the tendency to keep quiet and instead share your valuable ideas. It took me years to navigate this paradox. Gradually, I learned to use my quiet nature as a strength rather than a weakness—a process that continues to demand considerable personal effort. This principle also applies to other challenges or “weaknesses” that you may face in a career in science: if properly addressed, they can often be sources of inspiration and personal growth.

News by Cell Press

Further information

Maier lab website