The human microbiome has received increasing attention over the past many years. Although gut microbes have been explored for several decades, investigations of their role in health and disease are now attracting much attention beyond studies of classical infectious and inflammatory gut diseases. It is evident that a balanced normal gut microbiota is important for well-being, and also that diseases in other parts of the body can influence the gut microbiota. This includes not only obesity, diabetes, and liver diseases, but also cancer and even neurodegenerative diseases. At this seminar, a panel of experts will provide an overview of the current knowledge and examples of practice in exploring – and exploiting – gut microbes for health management.