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Petition to Create a New ESA Section for Distributed Ecological Research Networks

To promote and support participation in existing and new Distributed Ecological Research Networks (DERNs), facilitate their sharing of knowledge, and encourage scientific collaborations within and between networks, we seek to create a section in ESA to serve ecologists involved in DERNs. Toward this aim, we, the undersigned, support the creation of a section dedicated to supporting these scientists within ESA’s membership.

DERNs are powerful approaches to conducting impactful ecological research. Network participants replicate standardized observational and/or experimental protocols at study sites around the world, producing global datasets that allow new insights into important open questions in ecology. The protocols are typically designed to require low investments of time and resources by each investigator, which results in a low barrier to participation and an opportunity to engage as a coauthor on resulting publications. While individual DERNs have their own guidelines for participation and governance as well as avenues for communication with participants, there are opportunities for networks to learn from each other. This communication between leaders and participants in DERNs may be especially helpful as projects enter new phases or as new networks are launched. This section will provide opportunities for increased engagement and collaboration within and between DERNs.

The benefits of a section include:

  • A hub for DERN engagement and learning
  • Dues money for membership support projects run by members of the DERN section
  • Increased engagement from ESA members in existing and new DERNs
  • Opportunities to coordinate efforts to increase awareness and network participation in underrepresented geographic regions 
  • Networking support for early-career members and leadership opportunities across career stages
  • Facilitation of knowledge and resource sharing among networks, including documents related to network governance, data cleaning and management, and authorship practices

All ESA members who support these goals are encouraged to sign this petition; it does not obligate one to join the section if approved by Council.

Petition to Create a New ESA Section for Distributed Ecological Research Networks
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By checking this box, you certify that you, a member of the Ecological Society of America in good standing, support creating a new section for Distributed Ecological Research Networks