Turning the tide of parachute science

• Published in: Current biology 2021-02, Vol.31 (4), p.R184-R185
• Main Authors: Stefanoudis, Paris V., Licuanan, Wilfredo Y., Morrison, Tiffany H., Talma, Sheena, Veitayaki, Joeli, Woodall, Lucy C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Developed Countries - economics; Developing Countries - economics; Income; Marine Biology - economics; Research - economics; Research Personnel - economics; Research Personnel - ethics
• ISSN: 0960-9822; 1879-0445
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.029

Parachute science is the practice whereby international scientists, typically from higher-income countries, conduct field studies in another country, typically of lower income, and then complete the research in their home country without any further effective communication and engagement with others from that nation. It creates dependency on external expertise, does not address local research needs, and hinders local research efforts. As global hotspots of marine biodiversity, lower-income nations in the tropics have for too long been the subject of inequitable and unfair research practices1. However, to date there has been little quantifiable evidence of this phenomenon in marine science. Here, we provide evidence through systematic literature searches and queries that parachute science practices are still widespread in marine research and make some recommendations to help change the current status quo. [Display omitted] Stefanoudis et al. conduct a systematic literature search of coral-reef biodiversity work published over the last 50 years to quantify the extent of ‘parachute science’ practices in marine research. Their results indicate that the trend of parachute science is declining but still prevalent. They suggest ways to help change the current status quo.