Data from: On the missing link in ecology: improving communication between modellers and experimentalists

Collaboration between modellers and experimentalists is essential in ecological research, however, different obstacles linking both camps often hinder scientific progress. In this commentary, we discuss several issues of the current state of affairs in this research loop. Backed by an online survey amongst fellow ecologists, modellers and experimentalists alike, we identify two major areas that need to be mended. Firstly, differences in language and jargon lead to a lack of exchange of ideas and to unrealistic mutual expectations. And secondly, constraint data sharing, accessibility and quality limit the usage of empirical data and thereby the impact of ecological studies. We discuss ways to advance collaboration; how to improve communication and the design of experiments; and the sharing of data. We hope to start a much-needed conversation between modellers and experimentalists, to further future research collaboration and to increase the impact of single ecological studies alike.

在生态学研究领域，建模者与实验学家之间的协作不可或缺，但二者之间存在诸多沟通壁垒，往往掣肘科学研究的推进。在本篇评论中，我们针对该研究闭环中的若干现状问题展开探讨。基于面向生态学家、建模者与实验学家群体开展的线上调研，我们明确了两大亟待改进的核心方向。其一，语言与专业术语的差异导致思想交流受阻，同时引发双方不切实际的相互预期。其二，数据共享、可及性与质量存在局限，制约了实证数据的使用，进而削弱生态学研究的影响力。我们探讨了推进协作的具体路径：如何优化沟通交流、完善实验设计，以及健全数据共享机制。我们期望借此开启建模者与实验学家之间亟需开展的对话，以推动未来的研究协作，并同步提升单项生态学研究的影响力。