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.