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Fifty important research questions in microbial ecology
Rachael E Antwis1, Sarah M Griffiths2, Xavier A Harrison3
1School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, The Crescent, Salford M5 4WT, UK.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Microbial ecology explores Earth's vital microbial communities. This study outlines 50 key research questions to guide future scientific discovery and applications in this dynamic field.
Area of Science:
- Microbial ecology
- Ecosystem dynamics
- Microbial community research
Background:
- Microbial communities are fundamental to all Earth's ecosystems.
- Current research offers unprecedented detail but leaves many questions unanswered.
- A comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology is crucial for science and applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify 50 fundamental research questions in microbial ecology.
- To summarize the current state of the field and highlight new research avenues.
- To stimulate discussion and focus future research, funding, and policy.
Main Methods:
- Identification of 50 key research questions.
- Categorization of questions into seven themes: host-microbiome interactions, health and infectious diseases, human health and food security, microbial ecology in a changing world, environmental processes, functional diversity, and evolutionary processes.
- Synthesis of current knowledge gaps and future research needs.
Main Results:
- A curated list of 50 critical research questions across seven thematic areas.
- Emphasis on the functional diversity of microbes for solving real-world problems.
- Recognition of knowledge gaps in spatial/temporal variation and the need for integrated ecological concepts.
Conclusions:
- The identified questions aim to direct future research in microbial ecology.
- Highlighting the potential of microbial functional diversity for practical applications.
- The research agenda needs to integrate diverse knowledge and ecological scales.