Global study reveals that disparities in coral reef research are hampering international scientific cooperation.
A new study published in NPJ Ocean Sustainability on April 24 has highlighted the dominance of researchers from high-income countries in the field of coral reef science. The study, which analyzed over 5,000 scientific papers and surveyed over 100 researchers and stakeholders in coral reef projects, found that the lead author of 76% of the papers was from institutions in high-income countries, with the United States and Australia being the most frequently represented.
The study also revealed that about 20% of the research involved teams of researchers who were all based outside the host country, indicating a prevalence of "parachute science" practices. This type of research, which leaves out local input, is common in coral reef science.
Researchers from the Global North often patronize local researchers, assuming they are helping them while having them do laborious data collection work. This is a concern that the study has brought to light, emphasizing the need for better training on international collaborations at universities in the Global North.
The study suggests that scientific journals should waive publishing fees for researchers from Global South countries and make language accommodations. Lead author Cassandra Roch, a marine scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, expressed hope that a "generational shift" could be underway but said equity still isn't being taught enough.
To improve the equitable participation of researchers from tropical, lower-income countries in coral reef science, the study proposes several key approaches. These include capacity building and environmental education, facilitating access to resources and collaborative networks, incorporating local and indigenous knowledge, supporting policy frameworks that promote local stewardship, encouraging private and community-based management models, international collaboration and funding mechanisms, and addressing institutional and governance challenges.
By combining these approaches, the study suggests that the participation of researchers from tropical, lower-income countries in coral reef science can be meaningfully improved. Local leadership isn't just about being included; it's about being empowered to set research agendas, define impact, and lead solutions.
The study does not mention any new findings about the contributions of researchers from tropical, lower-income nations in coral reef science. However, it emphasizes the need to adequately recognize the contributions of these researchers and to value traditional and local knowledge in coral reef science. This will make research stronger and more effective in addressing the challenges facing coral reefs.
- The study published in NPJ Ocean Sustainability on April 24 emphasizes the need for improved equitable participation of researchers from tropical, lower-income countries in coral reef science.
- scientific journals should consider waiving publishing fees for researchers from Global South countries and making language accommodations as suggested by the study.
- The study proposes several key approaches to improve the equitable participation of researchers from tropical, lower-income countries in coral reef science, including capacity building, resource access, local knowledge incorporation, and international collaboration.
- Local leadership in coral reef science isn't just about being included; it's about being empowered to set research agendas, define impact, and lead solutions.
- The study highlights a concern regarding the prevalence of "parachute science" practices, which leave out local input in coral reef research, often involving researchers from institutions in high-income countries.
