KefirConnect is a citizen science project that explores the diversity, distribution, and transmission of water kefir cultures. Water kefir grains are living microbial communities composed of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeasts embedded in a polysaccharide matrix. Unlike many other fermented foods, water kefir grains cannot be created artificially and are typically shared between households, creating informal networks of exchange.

The aim of KefirConnect is to make these networks visible. Participants can register their water kefir cultures, document their origin and cultivation practices, and record when cultures are shared with others. The resulting data are displayed on an interactive map, allowing users to trace connections between cultures and follow their spread over time.

By combining citizen participation with scientific research, KefirConnect generates valuable insights into how microbial communities are maintained, distributed, and potentially shaped by human practices. The project also provides a platform for exchange among water kefir enthusiasts while contributing to a better understanding of the microbiomes of fermented foods.

KefirConnect is developed within the SynoSys Center and serves as a bridge between microbiology, complex systems research, and public engagement in science.

Further information about the project, including culture registration and participation guidelines, is available at www.kefir-connect.org.

External Link: Go to project page