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.

在生态学研究中，生态建模者与实验生态学家之间的协作至关重要，然而二者阵营间存在的各类阻碍往往掣肘科学研究进展。在本篇评论文章中，我们针对该研究闭环的当前态势，探讨了若干现存问题。基于针对同行生态学家、生态建模者及实验生态学家开展的线上调研，我们明确了两大亟需改进的核心领域。其一，语言与专业术语的差异导致思想交流匮乏，同时催生了不切实际的相互预期。其二，数据共享受限、可及性不足与质量参差不齐等问题，制约了实证数据的使用，进而削弱了生态学研究的整体影响力。我们探讨了推动协作的可行路径：如何优化沟通交流与实验设计，以及如何完善数据共享机制。我们期望借此开启生态建模者与实验生态学家之间亟需的对话，以深化未来的研究协作，同时提升各类单项生态学研究的影响力。