Microbiologists are well-versed in some of the biggest challenges the world is currently facing. Alongside others in the field of research, they often form the front line against global threats and crises such as food insecurity, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and beyond. They generate the evidence that could form the solutions to end much planetary suffering. Decision-makers – those in positions of power to wield that evidence – act more as generals, making the high-level strategic decisions based on the evidence coming from the research community.