Anne A. Madden, Ph.D.

Dr. Madden is an award-winning scientist, science communicator, and serial entrepreneur. She believes microbes hold the solution to many human problems.

She has named a new species, discovered novel antibiotics, and explored diverse microbial habitats across the globe–from dust and sourdough starters, to human hands, insect guts, birds, marine sediments, plants, and the smelliest of polyester clothing. She has built microbial discovery pipelines across industry and academia that have led to applications for commercial bakers, brewers, farmers, and clinicians. This includes discovering and commercially launching the first-in-class lactic acid yeast for brewing (now an industry standard.) As a leading thought leader on the topic of microbial applications, she transcends conventional discipline boundaries to bring the science of microbes to new audiences through innovative design, novel products, and engaging communication projects.

Dr. Madden founded, and leads, the nonprofit research institute, The Microbe Institute, an organization dedicated to fostering microbial discovery for a better tomorrow through participatory scientific research, art, and education initiatives. She is Chief Scientific Officer and Cofounder of the biotechnology company, Lachancea, consults at Imnovate Consulting, and advises a number of life science organizations, nonprofits, and corporations. In addition to being a 5x TED/TEDx speaker, she is a former innovation consultant to both MIT and Harvard University, and a former Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University.