Who we are

The NEST was founded by Dr. Scott Jackson, a internationally recognized expert in microbiology and biotechnology with over 22 years of leadership at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Dr. Jackson has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, articles, book chapters, and documentary standards, and is a frequent invited speaker at international scientific conferences—contributing extensively to the global scientific foundation of microbiome research, microbial detection, and biotechnology regulation.

At NIST, Dr. Jackson founded and led the NIST Microbiome and Biosurveillance Programs, pioneering the development of critical measurement standards to advance microbiome science, public health, environmental biosurveillance, and biodefense. His work includes the development of essential reference materials such as RM 8048 (Human Fecal Material for Multi-omic Analyses), RM 8376 (Mixed Pathogen DNA for Detection and Identification), and SRM 2917 (DNA for Fecal Indicator Detection and Identification), all designed to support assay validation, method standardization, and data reliability across diverse scientific and regulatory applications.

Dr. Jackson co-founded and led the International Microbiome and Multi-omics Standards Alliance (IMMSA), which now includes over 900 members worldwide, and the Rapid Microbial Testing Methods (RMTM) consortium, which brings together over 50 member institutions to advance innovation in microbial detection and quality assurance. Dr. Jackson holds leadership roles in the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC), the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Probiotics Expert Committee, and is an adjunct assistant professor at the George Washington University (GWU) School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Jackson co-authored a strategic plan for coordinated Federal research in microbiome science while serving on a White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) interagency working group.

Dr. Jackson and his team have received numerous honors, including the prestigious U.S. Department of Commerce Gold and Silver Medals, the FDA’s Commissioner’s Award, the EPA’s Scientific and Technological Achievement Award (STAA), and the Judson C. French Award for outstanding federal service in scientific research. Dr. Jackson has received and managed over $25M in research funding from DARPA, FDA, NIST, CDC, and the EPA.

Through The NEST, Dr. Jackson brings this unparalleled expertise to help industry adopt advanced technologies, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and ensure the quality, accuracy, and reproducibility of microbiological products and data.