From gut to brain: microbiome pathways in mental health

This podcast with guest speaker Gerard Clarke, Ireland, and host Jelena Brasanac, Germany, is part of the Brains On Brains podcast series from ECNP. In this episode, they take us inside the rapidly evolving world of microbiome research and its relevance for psychiatry. They explore how gut microbial communities shape stress, mood, cognition, and behaviour, and discuss key discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the microbiome–brain axis. The conversation spans his scientific journey, the promise of psychobiotics and translational biomarkers, and what the coming decade may hold for microbiome and future clinical applications.Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.