AUGUST 10, 2026
WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, will launch a new science-based virtual tradeshow series, CRN Science Forward, with a free webinar, “Rethinking Gut Health: How Bacteriophages Are Changing the Microbiome Conversation,” on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 2–3 p.m. EDT.
CRN Science Forward webinars will present curated scientific insights, innovation and market analysis to an online audience throughout the year. The series will address a range of timely topics relevant to the dietary supplement and functional food industry, giving researchers, product developers, marketers and other professionals focused opportunities to connect with a community of stakeholders committed to CRN’s hallmark best practices and highest standards, including self-regulatory guidelines and a code of ethics.
The inaugural CRN Science Forward webinar, sponsored by ADM, will examine bacteriophages, an evolving area of microbiome research. While many gut health solutions focus on adding beneficial microbes through probiotics, prebiotics or postbiotics, bacteriophages take a different approach by selectively targeting specific unwanted bacteria while leaving beneficial microbes intact.
During the webinar, experts will discuss the science behind bacteriophages and explain how they differ from other established microbiome-supporting approaches. The presentation will also examine growing interest in targeted microbiome management and what consumer perceptions may suggest about future product and market opportunities.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- The scientific principles behind bacteriophages and their relationship with bacteria
- How bacteriophages differ from probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics
- The potential role of targeted microbiome management in the evolving gut health category
- Consumer awareness, perceptions and interest
- Emerging opportunities for brands and product developers
“Scientific progress has the greatest impact when it’s shared, challenged, and translated into practical application,” said CRN Senior Vice President & Chief Science Officer Andrea Wong, Ph.D. “Through CRN Science Forward, we’re creating opportunities for experts from our member community to share about emerging science with the rigor and credibility that define CRN and its member companies, helping strengthen both innovation and confidence in our industry.”
CRN Science Forward complements its in-person Innovation Exchange event, now in its third year, taking place Oct. 6 as part of the association’s signature events at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa. Created to spotlight innovative research, technologies, and ingredients within the interactive setting of CRN’s annual industry gathering, Innovation Exchange convenes supplement industry leaders among finished product manufacturers with ingredient suppliers, service providers and other stakeholders.
About CRN: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Bringing together manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, CRN unites its member companies around a shared commitment to science, transparency, and responsible business practices—advancing a strong, credible marketplace that supports consumer health and industry growth.
In an increasingly complex regulatory and media environment, CRN serves as the industry’s front line—shaping science-based policy, defending market access, and countering misinformation. Through strategic advocacy, self-regulatory leadership, voluntary guidelines, and evidence-based communications, CRN ensures that responsible companies are recognized, protected, and positioned to innovate and compete. Learn more at crnusa.org and follow @CRN_Supplements on X and LinkedIn.