Stimulating New Ways of Thinking in Agricultural Microbiome Research: A Community-Based Interactive Thinkathon Workshop

The Agricultural Microbiomes Thinkathon, held on August 12, 2023, in Denver, CO, brought together early-career and established scientists from academia, government, and industry to explore new approaches to microbiome research design, integration, and application. Organized by the NSF-funded Agricultural Microbiomes Research Coordination Network (AgMicrobiomes RCN), this community-based workshop emphasized collaborative thinking, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the co-creation of research ideas. Participants engaged in team-based activities aimed at transforming microbiome data into knowledge and actionable outcomes. Through structured breakout sessions, they developed research questions, interpreted microbiome datasets, and proposed projects focused on improving plant health and agricultural sustainability. These projects reflected systems thinking, practical applications, and shared interests in microbial function, plant–microbiome interactions, and data-informed management strategies. The Thinkathon demonstrated the value of workshop formats that move beyond passive or technical training to emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. As microbiome data become more accessible and computational tools grow increasingly complex, the ability to pose thoughtful questions and connect research to real-world outcomes is essential. By combining active learning with interdisciplinary team science, the Thinkathon model provides a replicable framework for building capacity, empowering early-career scientists, and advancing innovation in agricultural microbiome research.