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，建模者与实验生态学家之间的协作至关重要，但双方阵营间存在的诸多障碍往往掣肘科学研究的推进。在本篇评论文章中，我们针对该研究闭环中的各类现状问题展开探讨。基于面向同行生态学者、建模者及实验生态学家开展的线上调研，我们明确了两大亟待优化的核心领域：其一，语言与专业行话的差异阻碍了思想交流，并催生了双方不切实际的相互期许；其二，数据共享约束、可及性不足与质量缺陷，限制了实证数据的应用，进而削弱了生态学研究的整体影响力。我们还探讨了推进协作的可行路径：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。我们期望借此发起建模者与实验生态学家之间亟需开展的对话，以推动未来的研究协作，并同等提升单项生态学研究的影响力。