This article explores the significance of studying tropical forests and their responses to global change. It emphasizes the unique characteristics of tropical forests and their crucial role in the global carbon cycle. The article calls for research and model development to better understand the changing nature of these forests. It also discusses the importance of large-scale global change experiments and cross-site comparisons, as well as the complexity of plant, soil, and microbial responses. The document further highlights the need for inclusivity, collaboration, standardization, and the incorporation of local knowledge and partnerships with local communities in tropical forest research. [Extracted from the article]