Prof. Karen Scott, PhD, is a Professor of Research in the Gut Microbiology Group at the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen. She leads a research team investigating the (molecular) mechanisms by which key members of the gut microbiota interact with the diet and host, at different life-stages. The fermentation products of gut bacteria contribute to gut health and are differentially expressed on different substrates, including prebiotics. In vitro bacterial growth studies utilising the Rowett’s large culture collection of gut anaerobes illustrate niche-specific processes and bacterial interactions, identifying strains with potential for development as probiotic/live biotherapeutic products. Utilisation of pure culture, co-culture, and mixed culture fermentor incubations complemented by investigations into bacteria-host cell interactions, are essential to understand what happens in the complex gut ecosystem. This work encompasses a One Health approach building our understanding of gene flow between bacteria in diverse environments including soils, and animal and human guts, and identifying novel solutions for pathogen control and improving biodiversity. Karen has numerous highly cited publications and has attracted multiple research council and commercially funded grants.