Navigating trust and science: microbiome research in the Amazon.

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Human-microbe coevolution
• Ethical scientific partnerships

Background:

• Microbiome research historically excluded Indigenous Peoples.
• Mistrust stems from historical injustices.
• Ethical partnerships are vital for inclusive research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an experience implementing culturally informed protocols and equitable benefit-sharing.
• To foster respectful and inclusive microbiome research with Indigenous Peoples.
• To establish sustainable research partnerships grounded in trust and mutual benefit.

Main Methods:

• Community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework.
• Culturally informed protocol development.
• Equitable benefit-sharing models.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of CBPR with the Matsés Peoples.
• Generation of scientific insights into coevolved microbial profiles.
• Demonstration of trust-based, equitable research partnerships.

Conclusions:

• Including Indigenous Peoples in microbiome research is an ethical imperative.
• CBPR is essential for overcoming historical mistrust.
• Culturally informed, equitable approaches enable sustainable and mutually beneficial research.