Natalia’s research mission is to apply her knowledge of Microbiology and Molecular Biology to address challenges in the development of polymer-based materials for consumer and advanced applications, while making responsible use of natural resources. Furthermore, Natalia is keen to find new innovative applications to address global challenges in healthcare, energy, and the environment while supporting other early career researchers to grow in the field. The title of her talk is: “The plastics dilemma, how can microbes help us?”