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Microorganisms are critical to many aspects of biological life, including human health.  The human body is a veritable universe for microorganisms: some pass through but once, some are frequent tourists, and some spend their entire existence in the confines of our body tissues.  The collective microbial community, our microbiome, can be impacted by the details of our lifestyle, including diet, hygiene, health status, and more, but many are driven by social, economic, medical, or political constraints that restrict available choices that may impact our health.   Acce

Engaging with communities in biomedical and genomic research is increasingly seen as critical for navigating ethical considerations, and a necessary part of the scientific process. Why? Meaningful engagement can foster trust and transparency by involving communities in decision-making processes, communicating research goals and findings clearly, and addressing concerns or misconceptions.