Microorganisms, the “invisible task force”, drive the fundamental processes on which all life on earth depends.  We are born into a world dominated by microorganisms and their activities are central to human welfare. As a consequence, we have innumerable intimate microbial associations; many enhance our lives, some are essential to our very existence, while others present us with potentially lethal challenges. Finding solutions to many of our pressing global challenges, such as skyrocketing antimicrobial resistance, emergence of new infectious diseases, and the health of our planet’s ecosystems, will depend upon discoveries from basic microbiology research.