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A set of principles and practical suggestions for equitable fieldwork in biology.

ABSTRACT: Field biology is an area of research that involves working directly with living organisms in situ through a practice known as "fieldwork." Conducting fieldwork often requires complex logistical planning within multiregional or multinational teams, interacting with local communities at field sites, and collaborative research led by one or a few of the core team members. However, existing power imbalances stemming from geopolitical history, discrimination, and professional position, among other factors, perpetuate inequities when conducting these research endeavors. After reflecting on our own research programs, we propose four general principles to guide equitable, inclusive, ethical, and safe practices in field biology: be collaborative, be respectful, be legal, and be safe. Although many biologists already structure their field programs around these principles or similar values, executing equitable research practices can prove challenging and requires careful consideration, especially by those in positions with relatively greater privilege. Based on experiences and input from a diverse group of global collaborators, we provide suggestions for action-oriented approaches to make field biology more equitable, with particular attention to how those with greater privilege can contribute. While we acknowledge that not all suggestions will be applicable to every institution or program, we hope that they will generate discussions and provide a baseline for training in proactive, equitable fieldwork practices.

SUBMITTER: Ramirez-Castaneda V

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9407469 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A set of principles and practical suggestions for equitable fieldwork in biology.

Ramírez-Castañeda Valeria V Westeen Erin P EP Frederick Jeffrey J Amini Sina S Wait Daniel R DR Achmadi Anang S AS Andayani Noviar N Arida Evy E Arifin Umilaela U Bernal Moisés A MA Bonaccorso Elisa E Bonachita Sanguila Marites M Brown Rafe M RM Che Jing J Condori F Peter FP Hartiningtias Diny D Hiller Anna E AE Iskandar Djoko T DT Jiménez Rosa Alicia RA Khelifa Rassim R Márquez Roberto R Martínez-Fonseca José G JG Parra Juan L JL Peñalba Joshua V JV Pinto-García Lina L Razafindratsima Onja H OH Ron Santiago R SR Souza Sara S Supriatna Jatna J Bowie Rauri C K RCK Cicero Carla C McGuire Jimmy A JA Tarvin Rebecca D RD

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20220816 34

Field biology is an area of research that involves working directly with living organisms in situ through a practice known as "fieldwork." Conducting fieldwork often requires complex logistical planning within multiregional or multinational teams, interacting with local communities at field sites, and collaborative research led by one or a few of the core team members. However, existing power imbalances stemming from geopolitical history, discrimination, and professional position, among other fa ...[more]

PMID: 35972961

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A set of principles and practical suggestions for equitable fieldwork in biology.

Publications

A set of principles and practical suggestions for equitable fieldwork in biology.

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