ii. Approaching Science Outside our Home
Embedded Files
“If we acknowledged that working anywhere other than our own home country is a privilege and not a right, and if we all looked to learn and share equally and were equally equipped to do research based on the needs on the ground, then we would be better off than we are right now…. it ensures the protection of those species, ecosystems and communities to which we dedicate our lives. Being inclusive is important” - Asha de Vos on July 1, 2020 Scientific American, The Problem of 'Colonial Science’
Considerations
Colonial science can lead to a power imbalance between the local community and outside researchers.
Science driven by outsiders’ assumptions, motives, and needs leads to scientific and conservation biases.
Parachute science can create dependency on external expertise, which impairs local research efforts and can cause funding gaps.
By building long term effective collaborations that span the whole research pipeline, we invest in human capacity and infrastructure that can ensure both effective science and fair representation.
Inclusive authorship on scientific papers empowers all collaborators and reinforces international partnerships.
Strategies for Avoiding Colonial Science
Derived from Stefanoudis PV, Licuanan WY, Morrison TH, Talma S, Veitayaki J, and Woodall LC. 2021. Turning the tide of parachute science. Current Biology. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.029 open access, audio abstract.
Find academic partnerships
Find academic partnerships
Learn of and reach out to potential collaborators (researchers, stewards, conservationists) at local agencies and institutions.
Know the regulatory landscape
Know the regulatory landscape
Develop a joint research agenda
Develop a joint research agenda
Consult with stakeholders to ensure the research agenda is balanced and addresses local needs.
Engage with the next generation of researchers
Engage with the next generation of researchers
Partner with schools and institutions that train young scientists, early career researchers, students, and interns.
Liase with government funding bodies of the host nation
Liase with government funding bodies of the host nation
Funding agencies, including permitting bodies, can connect compatible research and researchers.
Share academic literature
Share academic literature
Assist access to literature and findings.
Be transparent in publishing
Be transparent in publishing
Show research permits, represent partners fairly, communicate publishing intent, and share publications.
Continued Reading
Stefanoudis PV, Licuanan WY, Morrison TH, Talma S, Veitayaki J, and Woodall LC. 2021. Turning the tide of parachute science. Current Biology. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.029.
Bergquist C, Flatow I. The Problem With ‘Parachute Science’. 02.26.2021. Science Friday. Audio.
Clare Watson. Parachute science falls to earth. 13.4.2021. Nature Index.
de Vos, A and Schwartz, MW. 11.3.2022. Confronting parachute science in conservation. Conservation Science and Practice. DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12681
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