2022 LTER All Scientists' Meeting

LTER research is tied closely to lands and communities, yet ecological research agendas tend to be defined by scientists, not neighboring or affected communities. Recognition of this disconnect is leading to calls for "co-design" or "co-production" of research where scientists, community members, and other stakeholders come together to collaboratively design research. Although LTER sites differ across ecosystems and geographies, the strategies used to develop relationships with community members, decision-makers, and other stakeholders may not be so different. Researchers from several sites will share experiences in designing engaged research, with a particular focus on developing flexible approaches that consider stakeholders’ objectives and boundaries. Workshop participants will discuss the challenges and opportunities of co-designed and co-produced research, as well as how these vary across career stages. The workshop will produce a working list of the various “Co-” approaches happening at LTERs and identify best practices for the development of authentic relationships and transparent processes and agreements, such as writing memorandums of understanding and establishing community advisory boards.