BackgroundThe potential ecosystem collapse of forests in Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) by unprecedented droughts is worrisome due to the impacts on its exceptional biodiversity and human well-being. However, research integrating the impacts of global change drivers, forest resilience and the challenges facing human-nature relationships is still scarce.Methods and resultsUsing the central Chile megadrought and recently massive forest browning event as a model scenario, we identified, through a scientific literature review and an interdisciplinary scientific workshop, the research priorities and questions to address for MTEs in a context of global change. Our results highlighted knowledge gaps that need to be covered, particularly in social and environmental sciences, with an emphasis on soil science. Research priorities must focus on (1) the understanding of interactive effects of global and local anthropogenic drivers on MTEs and (2) the evaluation of the potential impacts of MTEs collapse on human well-being and ecosystem functioning.ConclusionsWe highlight the need for a collaborative approach involving scientists, landowners, managers/administrators, and policymakers to apply adaptive forest management against the current socio-environmental challenges under a global change context. C1 [Delpiano, Cristian A.; Squeo, Francisco A.] Univ La Serena, Fac Ciencias, Dept Biol, La Serena, Chile. [Delpiano, Cristian A.; Vargas, Solange; Pohl, Nelida; Squeo, Francisco A.] Inst Ecol & Biodivers IEB, Santiago, Chile. [Vargas, Solange] Univ Atacama, Fac Ciencias Nat, Dept Quim & Biol, Copiapo, Chile. [Ovalle, Juan F.; Caceres, Catalina] Univ Chile, Dept Silvicultura & Conservac Nat, Lab Restaurac Bosques, Santiago, Chile. [Ovalle, Juan F.; Rojas, Claudia] Ctr Appl Ecol & Sustainabil CAPES, Santiago, Chile. [Zorondo-Rodriguez, Francisco] Univ Santiago Chile, Fac Tecnol, Dept Gest Agr, Lab Interdisciplinary Anal Socio Ecol Syst LIASES, Santiago, Chile. [Zorondo-Rodriguez, Francisco] Univ Catolica Norte, Fac Ciencias Mar, Ctr Ecol & Sustainable Management Ocean Isl ESMOI, Dept Biol Marina, Coquimbo, Chile. [Miranda, Alejandro] Univ La Frontera, Dept Ciencias Forestales, Lab Ecol Paisaje & Conservac, Temuco, Chile. [Miranda, Alejandro] Univ Chile, Ctr Climate & Resilience Res CR2, Santiago, Chile. [Rojas, Claudia] Univ OHiggins, Inst Agrifood Anim & Environm Sci ICA3, Lab Soil Microbial Ecol & Biogeochem LEMiBiS, San Fernando, Chile. C3 Universidad de La Serena; Universidad de Atacama; Universidad de Chile; Universidad de Santiago de Chile; Universidad Catolica del Norte; Universidad de La Frontera; Universidad de Chile; Universidad de O'Higgins