After over 10 years of interdisciplinary research on the gut-lung axis, this Vidi kickstarts a new chapter integrating [human cohort data] with preclinical models. What a (scientific) journey it has been, and what incredible people I have met along the way! I am so grateful for this opportunity, and to those who have supported me, my current team, and the excellent scientists I will now get to work with. Together, we will bring prophylactic strategies for preserving lung health one step closer.