Cyanobacterial blooms are on the rise owing to many factors, including climate change. Many species produce potent cyanotoxins that are harmful to animals, plants and humans and pose a serious threat to the environment.

Interdisciplinary research on social justice for underserved communities is often neglected, but important to ensure that healthy microbiomes are accessible to everyone.

Microbes affect the structure and function of cities and the health of their residents. A better understanding of urban microbiomes could inform the design of cities with microbes, and their impact on city and citizen well-being, in mind.