Bérénice Batut

I am a bioinformatician and computational biologist, dedicated to exploring the ecological and functional roles of microbiomes through multi-omics approaches, open science, and interdisciplinary collaboration. My research bridges microbial ecology, bioinformatics, and environmental science to address fundamental questions about microbial biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

Currently, I hold a CNRS tenure track position at the Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome Environnement (LMGE) in Clermont-Ferrand. My research focuses on the biogeochemical functioning of clouds, studied through the lens of the aeromicrobiome. By integrating meteorological, chemical, and biological data, I aim to unravel the complex interactions shaping airborne microbial communities and their impact on atmospheric processes. This interdisciplinary approach leverages advanced methodologies and collaborative networks in Clermont-Ferrand and beyond.

I am a strong advocate for open science, reproducible, FAIR, and community-driven research. My work includes developing scalable workflows, primarily using the Galaxy platform, to make complex analyses of microbial ecosystems accessible and reproducible. As a co-lead of the ELIXIR Microbiome Community, I help shape the landscape of microbiome research by fostering collaboration, standardizing data practices, and promoting open science across Europe.

I also believe in the power of short-term training to empower scientists. As a (former) co-lead of the Galaxy Training Network (GTN), I contributed to building a global platform for accessible and reproducible training in data science, emphasizing FAIR principles. I was also actively involved as a co-founder and former co-director of Open Life Science (OLS) and the Open Seeds program, where we mentored researchers in open science practices and community-building. To date, I have delivered over 30 workshops and created more than 60 tutorials and 10 videos to support researchers in bioinformatics, data analysis, and open science.

On the personal side, I’ve nurtured a passion for photography for over 15 years. My images, available on Flickr, have illustrated a wide range of subjects like social movements (e.g. protests against violence toward women), travel inspiration (e.g. the markets of Dordogne or the beaches of Florida), or scientific events, where my humanistic perspective has captured the essence of the moment. Since becoming a mother, my focus has shifted. I now specialize in intimate portraits, family moments, and studio photography. My goal? To give women, and especially mothers, the place they deserve in family albums. Too often, they are the ones behind the camera, missing from the visual stories of their own lives. I want to change that, in my own way, by creating images where they are finally present, just as they are.