The future of molecular ecology in Aotearoa New Zealand: an early career perspective
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Date
2022-07-14
Open Access Location
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Rights
(c) 2022 The Author/s
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Abstract
The skills, insights, and genetic data gathered by molecular ecologists are pivotal to addressing many contemporary biodiversity, environmental, cultural, and societal challenges. Concurrently, the field of molecular ecology is being revolutionised by rapid technological development and diversification in the scope of its applications. Hence, it is timely to review the future opportunities of molecular ecological research in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to reconcile them with philosophies of open science and the implications for Indigenous data sovereignty and benefit sharing. Future molecular ecologists need to be interdisciplinary, equipped to embrace innovation, and informed about the broader societal relevance of their research, as well as advocates of best practice. Here, we present an ideal future for molecular ecology in Aotearoa, based on the perspectives of 23 early career researchers from tertiary institutions, Crown Research Institutes, research consultancies, and government agencies. Our article provides: a guide for molecular ecologists embarking on genetic research in Aotearoa, and a primer for individuals in a position to support early career molecular ecologists in Aotearoa. We outline our goals and highlight specific considerations–for molecular ecology and the scientific community in Aotearoa–based on our own experience and aspirations, and invite other researchers to join this dialogue.
Description
Keywords
FAIR principles, CARE principles, data stewardship, Indigenous data sovereignty, best practice, genomics, interdisciplinary, biodiversity, genetics, molecular biology
Citation
Liggins L, Arranz V, Braid HE, Carmelet-Rescan D, Elleouet J, Egorova E, Gemmell MR, Hills SFK, Holland LP, Koot EM, Lischka A, Maxwell KH, McCartney LJ, Nguyen HTT, Noble C, Olmedo Rojas P, Parvizi E, Pearman WS, Sweatman JAN, Kaihoro TR, Walton K, Aguirre JD, Stewart LC. (2022). The future of molecular ecology in Aotearoa New Zealand: an early career perspective. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 52. S1. (pp. 92-115).