Advances in microbiome science, particularly in the last two decades, have transformed our understanding of the complex interactions between diet, the gut microbiota, and human health. Research has demonstrated that dietary patterns and specific food components, particularly dietary fibre, play a central role in shaping microbial composition and activity, influencing gut function, metabolic health, immune regulation, and risk of chronic disease. While significant progress has been made in identifying microbial and metabolic pathways associated with health outcomes, translating this knowledge into practical dietary strategies remains a key challenge. This presentation will review major insights gained from nutrition and microbiome research, highlighting the importance of fibre quality and diversity in promoting beneficial microbial functions. Future opportunities will be explored, including precision nutrition approaches, novel functional foods, and the development of staple cereal varieties enriched in targeted dietary fibres designed to support gut and metabolic health at a
population level. Together, these advances offer promising pathways for harnessing food and diet to improve gut health and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.