Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a designated intractable disease that primarily affects young adults, causing chronic inflammation of the intestines. The number of patients in Japan is estimated to have reached 400,000, making it a significant public health challenge. Through my clinical and research experience in both Japan and abroad as an IBD specialist, I have come to deeply recognize the importance of preventive medicine—particularly the need to prevent disease onset itself. This research focuses on the relationship between the gut environment and the risk of IBD onset, aiming to generate new insights that will contribute to disease prevention. Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise across science, engineering, and medicine, I hope to bridge basic and clinical research to advance this field. Ultimately, my goal is to help build a future in which people affected by IBD can look forward to a life with greater hope and better care.