Perspectives on Developing a Diverse, Knowledgeable, and Inclusive Scientific Community in the Shifting Landscape of U.S. Scientific Ocean Drilling

Scientific ocean drilling (SciOD) has been invaluable in advancing our understanding of Earth history. However, the most recent international SciOD program ended in 2024, alongside the nonrenewal of the riserless drilling vessel, the JOIDES Resolution. The United States (U.S.) has not committed to joining a new SciOD program despite prior efforts focused on important scientific priorities (e.g., climate change, assessing natural hazards). During this critical juncture, we argue that incorporating accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (AJEDI) efforts will further develop a cohesive community that is well prepared to tackle questions critical to the U.S. and global community. Herein we provide recommendations to develop a knowledgeable and diverse community of scientists in the changing landscape of U.S. SciOD, as informed by historical participation data and recent efforts by early career scientists. Recommendations focus on accessible training opportunities, enhanced stewardship of archived materials, additional funding for research at all academic levels, inclusion of cultural advisors and social scientists, and a commitment to continuing SciOD education. By pursuing these recommendations, the U.S. SciOD community could become a leader for modeling AJEDI principles and ensuring equitable knowledge transfer that is needed to reimagine and rebuild a new, inclusive SciOD program.