Abstract: Coordinated distributed experiments (CDEs) enable the study of large-scale ecological patterns in geographically dispersed areas, while simultaneously providing broad academic and personal benefits for the participants. However, the effective involvement of early-career researchers (ECRs) presents major challenges. Here, we analyze the benefits and challenges of the first CDE exclusively led and conducted by ECRs (i.e. ECR-CDE), which sets a baseline for similar CDEs, and we provide recommendations for successful CDE execution. ECR-CDEs achieve most of the outcomes identified in conventional CDEs as well as extensive benefits for the young cohort of researchers, including: (i) receiving scientific credit, (ii) peer-training in new concepts and methods, (iii) developing leadership and communication skills, (iv) promoting a peer network among ECRs, and (v) building on individual engagement and independence. We also discuss the challenges of ECR-CDEs, which are mainly derived from the lack of independence and instability of the participants, and we suggest mechanisms to address them, such as resource re-allocation and communication strategies. We conclude that ECR-CDEs can be a relevant tool to empower ECRs across disciplines by fostering their training, networking and personal well-being.
Otras publicaciones de la misma revista o congreso con autores/as de la Universidad de Cantabria
Fuente: Frontiers in Education Volume 5, 18 February 2020, Article number 13
Editorial: Frontiers Media
Fecha de publicación: 01/02/2020
Nº de páginas: 7
Tipo de publicación: Artículo de Revista
DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2020.00013
ISSN: 2504-284X
Proyecto español: BP-00385-2016 ; BES-2013-065770 ; BP2016-00215