Overview

• The initiative has formally entered Growth Phase 1, marking a shift from its pilot collections to an active expansion through 2029.
• Over 1,200 human fecal and 190 fermented food samples are now cryogenically stored at the University of Zurich.
• The published ethical framework guarantees depositor sovereignty, equitable collaboration and fair benefit sharing, respecting local and indigenous knowledge.
• The project aims to amass 10,000 microbial samples with government support, evaluating permanent vault sites in cold regions such as Switzerland and Canada.
• Scientists warn that antibiotic overuse, industrial agriculture and climate change are depleting microbial diversity crucial for human health, agriculture and ecosystem resilience.