Dr Gal Winter, microbiologist, educator, and science communicator based at the University of New England, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Australian Society for Microbiology’s (ASM) National Communication Award. The award, announced this month, recognises exceptional work in making microbiology accessible to the public—and for Dr Winter, that mission is both professional and deeply personal.
A passionate advocate for scientific literacy, Dr Winter has dedicated her career to exploring how the microbial world influences our daily lives—and to sharing that knowledge in meaningful, engaging ways. Her twin outreach projects, Gal’s Kitchen Culture and the Microbial Mindset blog, were key contributors to her recognition by ASM.
“I am so honoured, especially to be the first to receive it,” Dr Winter said. “My passion has always been to make microbiology accessible and show how it connects to our everyday lives. This award is a beautiful recognition of that mission.”
“I think it’s really important to make microbiology more accessible because so many people have a fear of it – they’ve really only been exposed to the notion of how it’s involved with infection but it’s exciting and wonderful to understand the good side of microbes and what they mean in our life.”
Gal’s Kitchen Culture combines food, community, and science in a uniquely engaging way. Through interactive workshops and public events, Dr Winter teaches people about the health benefits and microbial science behind fermented foods—such as kimchi, kombucha, and sourdough—using everyday kitchen ingredients to spark scientific curiosity.
“It complements my academic work. In academia you’re always working towards specific learning outcomes so it’s very liberating and fun to be able to teach whatever you want to teach,” said Dr Winter.
“I also really love experimenting with non-traditional connections, for example my sourdough and yoga class. It’s all about making connections between what I teach and the world around us.”
Her blog, Microbial Mindset, further explores the intersection between microbiology and human behaviour, offering reflective insights on how microbial life both mirrors and shapes our own. With topics ranging from mental health to environmental sustainability, Dr Winter uses storytelling to bridge the gap between lab-based research and public understanding.
Through both platforms, she has built a loyal and growing audience, united by curiosity and a desire to better understand the world around—and within—us.
The ASM National Communication Award was established to spotlight individuals who excel at translating complex microbiological concepts into clear, compelling content for a wider audience. Dr Winter’s nomination stood out not only for its scientific rigour, but for its creativity, warmth, and accessibility.
When asked what’s next Dr Winter said, “I’m really looking forward to being more involved in the communications side of things with ASM moving forward, but also I’m just going to keep having fun with what I love and I know that the next step will grow organically from there.”
You can explore Dr Winter’s award-winning projects and workshops online:
- Microbial Mindset Blog: https://www.galskitchenculture.com.au/microbial-mindset
- Gal’s Kitchen Culture: https://www.galskitchenculture.com.au/
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