This month, microbiologists gather at ISME12, the12th meeting of the International Society for Microbial Ecology, in Carins, Australia to deliberate advances in microbial ecology that could benefit the planet. What are the key challenges for this blossoming field? Nature Reviews Microbiology asks this question in its August Editorial (6, 566; 2008).

The Editorial describes the deliberations last year of a group of microbiologists, which crystallized the main questions that face microbial ecologists and how to ensure that the microbiology field continues to meet the important demands that have been placed on it by the need to understand the ecology of two pressing global problems: climate change and disease. The group published a report, Uncharted Microbial World, in February which highlights important gaps in knowledge, including a lack of knowledge of the phages, the most populous group of microorganisms. In the words of the Nature Reviews Microbiology Editorial, “Microbial ecologists have an important part to play in investigations into both public and planetary health. This eloquently written report should provide food for thought for all those with an interest in this important field, and for those lucky enough to be attending ISME12, enjoy the meeting!”