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About

Nicole S. Webster is a leading microbial ecologist whose work has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the hidden microbial worlds that sustain life on Earth. Her research focuses on the intricate symbioses between marine sponges and their microbial partners, exploring how these ancient host–microbe relationships drive nutrient cycling and ecosystem health. Webster’s contributions are both foundational and far-reaching: she has pioneered genomic and metagenomic approaches to decipher the functional roles of sponge microbiomes, revealing their critical importance in marine biogeochemical cycles. Her most-cited paper, “The urgent need for microbiology literacy in society” (2019, 184 citations), underscores her commitment to translating complex microbial science into public understanding and policy relevance. With a career spanning over two decades, Webster has authored more than 200 publications, amassing over 15,000 citations and an h-index of 65. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and a recipient of the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research. Her work not only illuminates the unseen engines of ocean health but also inspires a new generation of researchers to champion the critical role of microbes in our world.