Abstract
This article is composed of three independent commentaries about the state of Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) principles (Goldman et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1002/essoar.10508554.1) in the AGU section paleoclimatology and paleoceanography (P&P), and a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of adopting them. Each commentary focuses on a different topic: (Section 2) Global collaboration, technology transfer and application, reproducibility, and data sharing and infrastructure; (Section 3) Local knowledge, global gain: improving interactions within the scientific community and with locals, indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public; (Section 4) Field, experimental, remote sensing, and real‐time data research and application. P&P projects can better include ICON principles by directly incorporating them into research proposals. A promising way to overcome the challenges of interdisciplinarity and integration is to foster networking, which will advance our research discipline through the application of ICON.
Plain Language Summary
Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology seeks to reveal past changes in the oceans and the climate, to help us better understand how Earth systems work. Traditionally, it has a strong focus on international networks and cooperation and we have accomplished many international projects. However, we are still facing some major challenges to achieve equity among researchers and science questions. In this article we discuss the current state, issues and solutions from three different perspectives: (a) data structure problems and data sharing issues, (b) relationships between research groups with different levels of knowledge, cultural aspects and their interaction with local communities in fieldwork, and (c) utilization of data, instrument sharing, promotion of networking, and effective communication with the public to make our research as inclusive and visible as possible. Actions aimed at ICON could be further promoted by research programs, governments, and scientists via integration of cooperation strategies into research projects.
Key Points
Open science and global collaboration increase networking opportunities, data availability, and quality of scientific outcomes
ICON principles support inclusivity and diversity, and ultimately resulting in increased and quicker uptake of scientific outcomes
ICON practices are well established in large‐scale international collaborations, but coordinated data and sampling standards are needed