Abstract
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Oikos |
| Volume | 126 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1071-1077 |
| ISSN | 0030-1299 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Cite this
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On the missing link in ecology: improving communication between modellers and experimentalists. / Heuschele, Jan; Ekvall, Mikael T.; Mariani, Patrizio; Lindemann, Christian.
In: Oikos, Vol. 126, No. 8, 2017, p. 1071-1077.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - On the missing link in ecology: improving communication between modellers and experimentalists
AU - Heuschele, Jan
AU - Ekvall, Mikael T.
AU - Mariani, Patrizio
AU - Lindemann, Christian
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - Collaboration between modellers and experimentalists is essential in ecological research, however, different obstacles linking both camps often hinder scientific progress. In this commentary, we discuss several issues of the current state of affairs in this research loop. Backed by an online survey amongst fellow ecologists, modellers and experimentalists alike, we identify two major areas that need to be mended. Firstly, differences in language and jargon lead to a lack of exchange of ideas and to unrealistic mutual expectations. And secondly, constraint data sharing, accessibility and quality limit the usage of empirical data and thereby the impact of ecological studies. We discuss ways to advance collaboration; how to improve communication and the design of experiments; and the sharing of data. We hope to start a much-needed conversation between modellers and experimentalists, to further future research collaboration and to increase the impact of single ecological studies alike.
AB - Collaboration between modellers and experimentalists is essential in ecological research, however, different obstacles linking both camps often hinder scientific progress. In this commentary, we discuss several issues of the current state of affairs in this research loop. Backed by an online survey amongst fellow ecologists, modellers and experimentalists alike, we identify two major areas that need to be mended. Firstly, differences in language and jargon lead to a lack of exchange of ideas and to unrealistic mutual expectations. And secondly, constraint data sharing, accessibility and quality limit the usage of empirical data and thereby the impact of ecological studies. We discuss ways to advance collaboration; how to improve communication and the design of experiments; and the sharing of data. We hope to start a much-needed conversation between modellers and experimentalists, to further future research collaboration and to increase the impact of single ecological studies alike.
U2 - 10.1111/oik.03885
DO - 10.1111/oik.03885
M3 - Journal article
VL - 126
SP - 1071
EP - 1077
JO - Oikos
JF - Oikos
SN - 0030-1299
IS - 8
ER -