A course for collaborative ecologists

This course and the website are under construction. Please check back soon!

In recent decades, ecology has become a more collaborative discipline motivated by the search for generality across ecosystems. At the same time, the availability, quantity, and quality of environmental data have grown rapidly, creating opportunities for re-use of these data in ecological synthesis research. Though synthesis research is complex and demanding, taking an inclusive and collaborative approach to both the scientific process and the data pays dividends throughout the lifetime of a project. This short course is a survey of methods for making ecological synthesis research a ”team sport”. Objectives for learners are to (a) develop an end-to-end (conception to publication) plan for collaborative synthesis research, and (b) gain data synthesis skills that are immediately useful in a research team setting. Instructors will cover assembling the team, study design, communication, collecting primary data sources, assembly/harmonization of data, analytical workflows, and publication of derived datasets. The course uses real-world examples, demonstrations, and interactive lessons. Ecologists with synthesis experience will be on hand with seasoned research advice and data tips. Many workshop activities will be oriented toward helping learners develop their own ideas and plans for ecological data synthesis.

Agenda

This agenda is subject to change as the course is developed.

Module 1: Starting with Team Science
Module 2: Operational Synthesis
Module 3: Tying It All Together

Photo credits: