Twenty Important Research Questions in Microbial Exposure and Social Equity.

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Socioecology
• Environmental science

Background:

• Social, political, and environmental factors influence microbial community assembly and human interactions.
• Microbial exposure has significant socioecological justice implications, affecting different social groups unequally.
• Equitable microbial exposure is crucial for resilient societies and ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key research questions for promoting equitable microbial exposure.
• To safeguard resilient societies and ecosystems through microbiome research.
• To guide research, planning, and policy in microbiome science.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and expert consultation to identify research priorities.
• Thematic analysis to categorize research questions.
• Synthesis of 20 fundamental research questions across seven broad themes.

Main Results:

• Identified 20 critical research questions spanning sociocultural interactions, Indigenous health, urban ecosystems, psychology, infectious diseases, food security, and policy.
• Questions address equitable access to beneficial microbes and mitigation of harmful exposures.
• The research agenda spans diverse fields, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of microbiome science.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the identified research questions is imperative for advancing social equity in microbial exposure.
• This framework provides focus for funders and policymakers to stimulate impactful microbiome research.
• Integrating socioecological perspectives is essential for harnessing microbiome benefits and ensuring environmental and human health.