Dr. Ahmed Abdelfattah is the Head of the Microbiome Management Group at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Germany. He received his doctoral degree in Agro-Forestry Sciences from the University of Palermo, Italy, in 2016. During his postdoctoral career, he completed research fellowships at Stockholm University and the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, and was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). His research focuses on the assembly, interactions, and functions of microbiomes in environmental and natural ecosystems, with particular emphasis on plant-associated microbial communities. The Microbiome Management Group investigates how plant-associated microorganisms are transmitted across generations and how global change influences microbial community composition and function. The group's main research goals are to understand the interconnected roles of microbiomes in the circular bioeconomy, develop microbiome-based products and management strategies, and establish an integrative eco-evolutionary understanding of microbiomes to support a sustainable future. Dr. Abdelfattah has extensive experience coordinating and participating in national and international research projects related to plant microbiomes, microbiome transmission, and sustainable agriculture. His work fosters interdisciplinary collaborations across microbiology, plant science, biotechnology, and bioeconomy, bridging fundamental research with application-oriented approaches.

Dr. Irene Sanz Puente is a postdoctoral researcher in the Microbiome Management Group. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and has expertise in plant-associated microbiomes, microbial genomics, molecular microbiology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. Her research integrates molecular and computational approaches, including bacterial genome engineering and microbial genomics, to investigate the complex interactions between plants and their associated microorganisms.

A major focus of her work is understanding beneficial plant-microbe interactions and the mechanisms underlying microbiome transmission across plant generations. By exploring how microbial communities are established, maintained, and transferred, her research aims to identify microorganisms and microbial functions that can support plant health, resilience, and sustainable crop production. This knowledge contributes to the development of innovative microbiome-based solutions and management strategies for more sustainable agriculture.

Within the SALSA project, Dr. Sanz Puente contributes to the characterization of plant-associated microbial communities and their functional potential, applying her expertise in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. Her work supports the development of innovative microbiome-based strategies designed to enhance crop health and productivity while reducing reliance on conventional agricultural inputs.