Developing Research Partnerships and Community Engagement Activities during International Field Campaigns: Examples from Recent Projects

The practice of neo-colonial research or science is an issue plaguing field work in the geosciences. There are many examples of researchers coming into a community, performing studies, and leaving with little to no interaction with local experts or the general population. This is despite many local community members being able to contribute to the success of the research through regionally-specific knowledge and expertise studying the phenomenon of interest, as well as connections with community leaders, educators, the media, and logistics facilitators. Additionally, engaging the general public in meaningful activities related to the campaign is important to not only inspire people to see themselves pursuing potential careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), but also in emphasizing how the knowledge gained through the research may directly impact them and their daily lives.

The NSF NCAR Research Aviation Facility (RAF) has accomplished a variety of international field campaigns in recent years, many of those with assistance from NSF NCAR Education, Engagement & Early-Career Development (EdEC). In most cases, the science team has some local connections or collaborators identified before the start of the proposal writing process. EdEC has been vital in helping further develop these relationships and connecting with local communities by organizing education and engagement events all in the spirit of making a conscious effort to increase local participation and avoid helicopter science. In this presentation, we discuss examples of authentic research collaborations and engagement with host communities, including student and scientist involvement in data collection and daily planning during projects, as well as example engagement activities ranging from classroom visits to tours of research aircraft. We will also show the benefits of beginning this process early in project planning and present methods for identifying and inviting local experts into a project.