Meet Emily, the Science Manager at Yakult UK & Ireland

I oversee the activities of Yakult Science for Health, a knowledge hub for healthcare professionals on all aspects of the gut microbiota, probiotics and more. From running events, creating learning materials including our podcast “Microbiome Matters”, collaborating with leading academics, and working closely with our partners such as the UK Sports Institute, we make the latest science in this research area accessible to support HCPs in their everyday practice caring for patients. 

What I love about gut health science is it tells us nutrition isn’t a silver-bullet and we need to take a 360-approach to our health. We can’t only consider what we are eating, but also how we are moving, together with focusing on our mindset and lifestyle. After all, the science of the gut microbiome may be complicated, but looking after our gut doesn’t have to be. 

I completed my PhD at King’s College London, investigating the effects of apple polyphenols on postprandial glucose, or put simply, “if an apple a day keeps the diabetes away”. During my PhD I fell in love with science communications, entering competitions and starting a podcast. In May 2022, I started at Yakult UK and Ireland. Yakult’s mission of providing health and happiness to all fits with my personal values; I want to bring health through nutrition to as many people as possible. I’m really proud to work for a company that’s both science based and market driven and I very much believe in our little bottle. Better yet, my fellow colleagues inspire me every day.